Hormel Food Corporation has announced it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Applegate Farms for approximately $775 million. Applegate is a leading maker of natural and organic prepared meats including deli meat, hot dogs, bacon, chicken strips and burgers. According to the deal, Applegate will operate autonomously as a standalone subsidiary in the company’s Refrigerated Foods segment. “A growing number of consumers are choosing natural and organic products. This …