The Story Behind Dubuque’s Iconic Canned Ham

Ask any Midwesterner about Dubuque canned ham, and you’re bound to get a mouthwatering response. This deliciously salty, smokey canned ham has been a staple in households across Iowa and beyond for generations. But who is behind this iconic meat product that’s graced picnic tables and holiday meals for over a century? Let’s explore the history and origins of the Dubuque name in canned ham.

Dubuque Ham’s Humble Origins

The origins of Dubuque ham date back to 1891 in Dubuque Iowa. That’s when the Dubuque Packing Company was founded through a merger of two local meatpackers. For its first few decades Dubuque Packing focused on supplying meat locally.

It wasn’t until the 1930s that Dubuque Packing started ramping up production and distribution under new leadership. This included getting into canned ham production, an ingenious way to preserve and ship pork. It turned out to be perfect timing, as canned hams from Dubuque Packing became a sought-after commodity during WWII for feeding troops abroad.

Growth and Expansion After WWII

The post-WWII period saw massive growth for Dubuque Packing. By the 1950s, it became Dubuque’s second largest employer with 3,500 employees. In the ’60s and ’70s, annual sales soared to $390 million as Dubuque Packing grew into one of the nation’s major meatpackers.

The company also earned acclaim for its products winning gold medals at the California State Fair in 1960 and 1961 for its canned hams. Dubuque ham was not just popular domestically but also became a top U.S. exporter of kosher meats.

Dubuque Ham Gets a Household Name

As production scales grew, Dubuque Packing also ramped up marketing and advertising efforts to make its Dubuque-branded hams a household name.

Sponsored radio shows spread the word on Dubuque ham to families across the Midwest. Canned ham recipes were printed on cans and in newspaper ads, helping introduce consumers to this handy hog product.

By the 1950s and ’60s, Dubuque canned ham had become a popular consumer brand, known for its quality Smoked over hickory and packed in its signature oval cans, Dubuque ham was a familiar sight in American pantries

Change of Ownership But Legacy Lives On

In later decades, Dubuque Packing faced challenges with labor relations, ultimately leading to a change in ownership and reorganization in the 1980s under FDL Foods. In 1995, the packing operation shut down as production moved elsewhere.

While no longer local to Dubuque, the Dubuque brand of canned hams and pork shoulder lives on under manufacturers like Hormel. You can still find “Dubuque” labeled ham on store shelves today!

So while the original Dubuque Packing no longer exists, it left an incredible legacy with its Dubuque ham that makes consumers nostalgic for those iconic oval cans.

Why Dubuque Ham Remains Beloved

From meat raffles to funerals and church potlucks, Dubuque ham holds a special place in the hearts of Midwesterners. Here’s why it remains so beloved:

• Familiar flavor: Dubuque ham has a distinctive salty, smoky taste that takes people back. The hickory smoke flavor provides a comforting aroma and flavor.

• Meaty texture: The pork shoulder cut and pressure-cooking gives the ham a moist, chunky shredded texture.

• Convenience: Being precooked and canned means Dubuque ham is ready anytime. No refrigeration needed!

• Midwest pride: Dubuque ham has been part of the culinary tradition and food heritage of Iowa and neighboring states for ages.

• Nostalgia: For many, Dubuque ham evokes fond food memories of childhood or family gatherings. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Dubuque ham’s unique history and comforting flavor explain why it remains a treasured icon today. Next time you pop open a can, appreciate the tradition of this Midwest classic!