Hormel Foods has filed a federal lawsuit against sausage rival Johnsonville, along with two former executives, alleging the theft of proprietary information and violation of non-solicitation agreements.
The complaint, filed in Minnesota, accuses Johnsonville of orchestrating a targeted recruitment of key Hormel personnel, beginning with Brett Sims, Hormel’s former Director of Operations, who joined Johnsonville in 2023. According to the filing, Sims subsequently recruited other Hormel employees, including Jeremy Rummel—another Director of Operations—who allegedly transferred confidential company documents to his personal email prior to his resignation.
Hormel claims the internal documents included sausage formulas, production methods, and marketing strategies. The company alleges Rummel initially denied the transfer during an internal investigation, but later admitted to the actions. He reportedly traveled to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the location of Johnsonville’s headquarters, while still employed at Hormel, and allegedly met with legal representatives from Johnsonville.
The lawsuit outlines three primary allegations: misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract, and interference with employment relationships. Hormel is seeking damages, an injunction to prevent further use of its proprietary materials, and legal remedies to halt the ongoing impact of the alleged breach.
At this time, Johnsonville and the former employees have not publicly responded to the allegations.
Swine Web will continue to follow this developing story.
