Ex-Hormel Employee Accused of Stealing Secret Sausage Recipes and Joining Competitor

A federal lawsuit alleges that a former Hormel Foods employee shared confidential recipes and market information with a regional rival after leaving the company. The former employee, Brett Sims, reportedly took top-secret sausage formulas and business strategies and then joined Johnsonville, based in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin.

The issue began when Sims, who had been with Hormel for many years, became Johnsonville’s chief supply chain officer in June 2023. Following his appointment, he allegedly started recruiting Hormel employees to switch to Johnsonville, violating his non-solicitation agreement.

Additionally, Sims brought in Jeremy Rummel, a longtime Hormel employee with 25 years of experience, earlier this spring. Before leaving Hormel, Rummel is said to have emailed himself valuable proprietary information, including product formulas, processing procedures, and marketing strategies, which he then shared with Sims.

The lawsuit claims Rummel tried to use Hormel’s trade secrets for Johnsonville’s benefit, which Hormel considers unlawful and damaging. After Hormel confronted Rummel, he admitted to emailing proprietary information and visited Sims’ home to discuss his new role, allegedly preparing to share more secrets.

Hormel, established 130 years ago and known for brands like Spam, Skippy, and Planters, is accusing Johnsonville and the two former employees of conspiring to unlawfully acquire trade secrets. The company emphasizes that misuse of confidential information in such a competitive market could lead to serious economic disadvantages for a manufacturer.

The lawsuit also states that when Hormel sent Johnsonville a letter highlighting the breaches, Johnsonville did not cooperate. Neither Sims nor Rummel has responded publicly to the allegations or comments from their legal representatives.