Long before there were those annoying e-mails from strangers that flood our pc's and laptops, there was another SPAM. Yes, I am talking about SPAM the food. That wonderful mysterious block of meat that comes in small can. Even if you have never eaten it, the can is familiar to you. How's that for brand marketing? But does SPAM sell? Does it reach consumers? If it does, who buys this product? And why?

A tongue-in-cheek look at SPAM, the canned food.

A quiet phenomenon has been taking place. Although you do not see much advertising for the product and no one will admit to eating SPAM, its consumer sales reached six-billion in July 2002.

According to Hormel Foods Corporation, the folks who make SPAM:

• A can of SPAM is consumed in the U.S. every 3.1 seconds.
  
• SPAM is trademarked in more than 100 nations on six continents.
  
• SPAM is produced in three foreign countries
  
• SPAM has it's own museum in Austin, Minnesota
  
• SPAM has three touring SPAMMOBILES
  

So what does this tell us? Somebody out there is eating SPAM! I always keep a can in my food cabinet because my mom did. Once in a while when I am home and alone I make myself a fried SPAM and scrambled egg on toast sandwich. Yum.

If you have a favorite recipe using SPAM please share it in our Work & Family Forum. Shhh! Don't worry we'll keep it in the Family.

See Related Links to learn more about SPAM the canned food. You can find up to date news and information about SPAM including company earnings information. Also take a virtual stroll through the SPAM Museum. It is more interesting than you think. If you live in Minnesota or that state is a travel destination, be sure to put the museum on your must visit list.

By the way ,while everyone pokes fun at or dismisses this meat icon, it should be noted that Hormel's SPAM has been around since 1937 with no signs of demise. There are nine or so variety's of SPAM, including servings for one. It makes me wonder if they are poking fun at their naysayers as they take those SPAM $$$$'s to the bank?