Are you a fan of canned ham? Have you ever wondered where your favorite brand comes from?
Look no further than Dubuque, Iowa. The Dubuque Packing Company, known locally as “The Pack,” was once a major player in the meat packing industry and produced some of the highest quality canned hams in the United States.
With a rich history dating back to 1891, this company has left its mark on the community and beyond. From being the first U.S. producer to export canned hams to Italy after World War II to winning gold medals for their products at state fairs, Dubuque Pack has a legacy worth exploring.
So, who makes Dubuque canned ham? Let’s dive into the fascinating history of this iconic company and find out.
Who Makes Dubuque Canned Ham?
Dubuque canned ham is made by the Dubuque Packing Company, a former meat packing company that operated under various names in Dubuque, Iowa from 1891 until 2001. The company was widely known in the community as “The Pack” and was recognized for the quality of its products.
Dubuque Pack was not only a major employer in the city, but it also had a significant impact on the meat packing industry. The company was the first U.S. producer to export canned hams to Italy after World War II, and their canned hams won gold medals for the best hams at the 1960 and 1961 California state fairs.
During peak production, Dubuque Pack could process up to nine thousand hogs daily, and it was one of the nation’s largest producers of kosher meat. The company’s meat market was located at 799 E. 16th in Dubuque in 1941.
The History Of Dubuque Packing Company
The Dubuque Packing Company was founded in June 1891 through the merger of the Dubuque Butchers’ Association and the Dubuque Packing and Provision Company. The new corporation began with a capitalization of $50,000 and had four directors: Charles J.W. Saunders, C. Steiber, L. Reinecke, and Christian Schmidt.
For the first forty years of its existence, the company acted as a local meat supplier. However, in 1931, Harry Wahlert purchased the plant for $80,000 when it employed only sixty people. Despite the Great Depression, the company flourished under Wahlert’s leadership.
After World War II, Dubuque Pack became the first U.S. producer to export food products to Italy when it exported canned hams. Under Robert C. Wahlert’s leadership during the 1960s, the plant employed approximately 3,500 people with a payroll of about $20 million.
In 1948, ten employees of Dubuque Packing Company pooled $5 each and combined it with a loan from the Amalgamated Meat Cutters Local Number 150 to charter Dupaco Credit Union, which eventually became Dupaco Community Credit Union.
Dubuque Pack was also recognized for the quality of its products. In addition to winning gold medals for their canned hams at California state fairs in 1960 and 1961, the company was also one of the largest producers of kosher meat in the United States.
By the 1980s, however, Dubuque Pack began to decline. In 1980, the company announced that it had lost $9.9 million at its Dubuque facility and asked for concessions from the union based on claims of market changes, high wages, and equipment problems. The company also shut down parts of the plant.
Despite a 15.8 percent cut in pay and benefits that union workers had taken and a reduction in taxes by the city, nearly 1,400 workers were unemployed when the hog kill was shut down in 1981. In 1982, company management announced that the plant would close on October 16th of that year, which would put 1,200 people out of work and bring the unemployment rate up to 17.2 percent.
In the fall of that same year, Charles E. Stoltz sold the packing plant and its fleur-de-lis trademark to a group that included Robert H. Wahlert. The packing plant began operations as FDL Foods Inc., while Dubuque Packing Company moved its headquarters to the Dubuque Building where it continued to bargain with the union over pension and insurance benefits.
In 1985, Dubuque Packing Company moved its headquarters to Omaha, Nebraska to be more centrally located to its other plants which were processing primarily beef at that time. The company again flourished and was later sold in a leverage buyout. Its gelatin operations were sold to a French company.
Today, while Dubuque Packing Company no longer exists as an independent entity since it was sold in a leverage buyout in 2001, its legacy lives on through its famous canned hams that are still enjoyed by many today.
The Rise Of Canned Ham In The United States
Canned ham became a popular food product in the United States in the mid-20th century, and Dubuque Packing Company played a significant role in its rise. The company began producing canned hams in the 1930s, and they quickly became a popular item for export. Dubuque Pack’s canned hams were the first food product America exported after World War II.
The popularity of canned ham can be attributed to its convenience and long shelf life. It was an ideal food item for soldiers during World War II, and it also became a staple in American households. Canned ham was easy to store, required no refrigeration until opened, and could be quickly prepared for meals.
Dubuque Pack’s canned hams were known for their high quality and were even recognized with gold medals at state fairs. The company’s success with canned hams helped it become one of the largest meat packing companies in the United States during its peak production years.
Dubuque Pack’s Contribution To The Industry
Dubuque Pack’s contribution to the meat packing industry was significant. Under the leadership of H.W. Wahlert, the company underwent a massive renovation in 1931, including the installation of special tables with “mono-metal” tops, extra windows, and extra refrigeration. The company also constructed rooms where hides and other inedibles were kept separate from other parts of the building. These innovations improved the efficiency and safety of the meat packing process and set a new standard for the industry.
Despite the challenges of the Great Depression, Dubuque Pack grew rapidly under Wahlert’s guidance. The company produced canned hams, which became the first American food product to be exported after World War II. This achievement helped to establish Dubuque Pack as a leader in the meat packing industry.
In addition to its innovative practices, Dubuque Pack was also recognized for its high-quality products. The company’s canned hams won gold medals at state fairs, and it became one of the largest suppliers of kosher meat in the United States.
Dubuque Pack’s success had a significant impact on the economy of Dubuque, Iowa, and on the meat packing industry as a whole. At its peak, the company operated 12 plants with sales near $2 billion, making it the third-largest beef processing plant in the United States. The company’s success also made workers at the plant some of the highest-paid employees in the city.
The Quality Standards Of Dubuque Canned Ham
Dubuque canned ham is known for its high quality standards, which have been maintained throughout the company’s history. The company’s commitment to quality is evident in its use of only the finest ingredients and its strict adherence to food safety regulations.
Dubuque Pack’s canned hams were produced using a special process that involved cooking the ham in its own juices, resulting in a tender and flavorful product. The hams were also carefully inspected to ensure that they met the company’s high standards for quality and taste.
In addition to its commitment to quality, Dubuque Pack was also known for its innovation in the meat packing industry. The company was the first to use mono-metal tables, which helped to prevent contamination and improve hygiene in the production process. Dubuque Pack also invested heavily in refrigeration technology, which allowed it to produce and distribute high-quality meat products throughout the country.
The Legacy Of Dubuque Packing Company Today
Despite its closure in 2001, the legacy of Dubuque Packing Company lives on. The company’s impact on the meat packing industry and the community of Dubuque is still felt today.
Dubuque Pack was a major force in the economy of Dubuque, employing thousands of people and contributing significantly to the city’s growth. The company’s success also made its workers some of the highest-paid employees in the city, thanks to labor union negotiations.
The company’s reputation for quality products also lives on. Dubuque canned ham, which was the first American food product to be exported after World War II, is still produced today under different ownership. The canned hams produced by Dubuque Pack won gold medals for their quality at state fairs in the 1960s, and this legacy of excellence is still associated with the brand today.
Furthermore, Dubuque Pack’s impact on the meat packing industry cannot be overstated. The company was a pioneer in exporting food products and was one of the largest producers of kosher meat in the United States. Its innovations in refrigeration and meat processing helped shape the industry as a whole.
