Spam is a canned, precooked meat product produced by the Hormel Foods Corporation based in Austin, Minnesota. Made from pork shoulder meat and ham, the name is believed to be a reference of these main ingredients and an abbreviation of “spiced ham.” Invented in 1937, the product can be kept fresh without refrigeration and easily transported, allowing it to become more widely known and consumed during World War II by American soldiers and nationally after the war when it was promoted in patriotic contexts. It was also introduced to indigenous cultures of the South Pacific during this same period, which is believed to account for the popularity of Spam in many such countries.