Hormel Food Corp. has created a new executive position focused exclusively on the company’s deli products.

Austin, Minnesota-based Hormel announced Feb. 14 that Jeff Baker will be the company’s first group vice president for deli. Baker had previously been group vice president for foodservice.

In the new role, Baker will oversee all of Hormel’s deli brands, which include Hormel, Jennie-O, Applegate, DiLusso, Hormel Gatherings and the recently purchased Columbus Craft Meats.

"The deli space is an on-trend and growing category for today's retailer. In addition to behind-the-glass and grab-and-go deli offerings, we have seen a shift toward more foodservice offerings with growth in prepared foods and in-store restaurants," says Jim Snee, Hormel’s chairman of the board, president and CEO.

Two other Hormel foodservice managers have been promoted. Mark Ourada is now group vice president for foodservice, and David Weber is vice president of foodservice sales.