Spam spam spam! Why the luncheon meat is still loved in many countries

Spam may be derided in Western countries but in Asia and the Pacific it's still a beloved staple. It was created by Hormel Foods in 1937 to utilise surplus pork during the Great Depression, and became a staple of the American military diet during both the second world war and the Korean war. It's still loved in places where America had strong military bases like Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, and South Korea, where it is considered a luxury good. Guest: Kelly Spring, food historian, co-presenter of the Hungry Historians podcast and author of ‘SPAM: a global history’ (2025, Reaktion/New South) Producer: Ann Arnold