AUSTIN, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) today announced the closing of its acquisition of Applegate Farms, LLC (Applegate), owner of the Applegate® brand. Applegate® is the No. 1 brand in the natural and organic value-added prepared meats category. As a growing number of consumers choose natural and organic products, this purchase provides Hormel Foods and the Applegate® brand a faster path to expanded offerings in this high-growth category. Applegate will operate a