text: Reporting of revenues from external customers is based on similarity of products, as the same or similar products are sold across multiple distribution 
  channels such as retail, foodservice or international. Revenues reported are based on financial information used to produce the Company's general- 
  purpose financial statements. 
  
  Perishable meat includes fresh meats, sausages, hams, wieners and bacon (excluding JOTS products.) Nonperishable meat includes canned luncheon 
  meats, shelf stable microwaveable entrees, stews, chilies, hash, meat spreads and other items that do not require refrigeration as well as frozen 
  processed products. The Poultry category is composed primarily of JOTS products. The Other category primarily consists of nutritional food products and 
  supplements, sugar and sugar substitutes, salt and pepper products, dessert mixes, food packaging (casings for dry sausage), and industrial gelatin 
  products. The Other category has increased over the past two years primarily due to the following acquisitions: Century Foods International (July 2003), 
  Diamond Crystal Brands (December 2002), and Diamond Crystal Brands Nutritional Products (April 2001). 
  
  No new product in fiscal 2003 required a material investment of Company assets. 
  
  Domestically, the Company sells its products in all 50 states. Hormel products are sold through Company sales personnel, operating in assigned 
  territories coordinated from district sales offices located in most of the larger U.S. cities, as well as independent brokers and distributors. As of 
  October 25, 2003, the Company had approximately 600 sales personnel engaged in selling its products. Distribution of products to customers is by 
  common carrier. 