 Channel 3's Claire Kopske reporting. And on this day, 87 years ago, Spam was introduced by Hormel Foods. Over 9 billion cans have been sold since the canned processed meat was launched. Spam, which stands for spiced ham, was sent around the world to feed allied troops during World War II. The food has at least two annual festivals in the U.S., as well as the Spam Museum in Austin, Minnesota.