Hormel Honors Curemasters - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports

AUSTIN, Minn. (KTTC)-- Many were in attendance at a luncheon on Wednesday to honor six of Hormel's past and present Curemasters.  The "Curemaster's" signature accompanies every Hormel "Cure 81" Ham. 

Curemaster is one of the most prestige's titles at Hormel Foods.  There have been only 7 since the company added ham to their product list 50 years ago. 

"There's so much responsibility that goes with that job," said Les Colling, Curemaster from 1977-1990. "You have made a pledge to the customer based on the label where your name appears that the integrity of the product is there, because you have guaranteed it."

Even though Colling has retired from curing, he still finds himself giving curing advice to anyone who will listen.

"I will visit with the butcher's every once and awhile and indicate that I was the curemaster of that product and I didn't see any out in the case there today," said Colling. 

Hormel executives thanked them for their work and unveiled a plaque that will be hung at their Austin plant and corporate offices.