Walmart Invests in Cruise, an All-Electric Self-Driving Company

The following statement was made by John Furner, President and CEO, Walmart U.S.

Over the years we’ve been doing a lot to learn more about the role autonomous vehicles can play in retail, and we’ve seen enough to know it’s no longer a question of if they’ll be scaled, but when.

We’re taking the next step in our work with autonomous vehicles by making an investment in Cruise, the San Francisco-based company enabling a self-driving future through their all-electric fleet of self-driving cars. The investment will aid our work toward developing a last mile delivery ecosystem that’s...

Plant-Based Food Sales Surpass $7 Billion, Sales Up 27% in 2020

According to the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA), U.S. retail sales of plant-based foods continued to increase by double digits in 2020, growing 27% and bringing the total market value to $7 billion. This sales growth was consistent across the country, with more than 25% growth in every U.S. census region.

In the past two years, plant-based food sales have grown 43%, which is nine times faster than total food sales. In 2020, about 57% of all U.S. households purchased plant-based foods, up from 53% in 2019 totaling 71 million households.

PBFA also found that the value of plant-based meat, while the second-largest plant-based category, hit $1.4 billion in 2020. That represents sales growth of 45% from 2019. The plant-based meat category grew twice as fast as...

Impossible Foods Launches First National Advertising Campaign, "We Are Meat"

Impossible Foods is launching its first national advertising campaign as the leading food tech startup accelerates growth and takes advantage of mounting economies of scale.

The campaign, titled “We Are Meat,” features TV spots with the meaty images and sizzle of the company’s award-winning burgers. Produced by Portland, Ore.-based Wieden+Kennedy, the advertisements claim that Impossible Burger, which contains no animal ingredients, is meat for meat lovers — made from plants.

The first national integrated campaign for Impossible Foods kicks off today with...

Walmart is Now Offering COVID-19 Vaccines in 48 States, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.

As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout ramps up and vaccine eligibility widens, Walmart is administering vaccines in more than 3,800 stores and clubs across 48 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. Walmart has worked to administer COVID-19 vaccines into the arms of residents in rural and vulnerable areas across the country. More than 80% of shots administered through our pharmacies and 60+ dedicated community events were in what HRSA designates as the most medically underserved areas of the country. For example, in Jackson, Mississippi, we partnered with the Jackson Housing Authority to set up in a community center for a low-income senior housing unit where we administered nearly 2,000 vaccinations to vulnerable seniors.

We remain focused on reaching communities with access issues and vaccine hesitancy, especially those located in medically underserved areas where Walmart has a presence. That continued focus will...

Beyond Meat Expands Product Distribution 

Beyond Meat announced its latest expansion of product offerings at Walmart. Starting this week, within the approximately 2,400 Walmart locations nationwide in which Beyond Meat products are currently sold, Walmart will be adding Beyond Sausage Hot Italian® to the fresh meat aisle at more than 400 stores as well as expanding the frozen Cookout Classic value-pack to approximately 500 stores.

This increased distribution at Walmart is Beyond Meat’s second in the past year and is part of Beyond Meat’s effort to increase worldwide accessibility to simple, plant-based meat products made without GMOs or bioengineered ingredients. As demand for plant-based meat continues to rise, this increased distribution complements the company’s expansive retail presence at approximately...

Walmart Drops $35 Minimum for Express Delivery

Walmart is making it easier for customers to get the items they want at the lightning-fast speed they may need them. Beginning today, the retailer is removing the $35 minimum order requirement for Express delivery.

Express delivery allows customers to order items from Walmart’s food, consumables and general merchandise assortment such as produce, pantry staples, everyday essentials, toys and electronics. It relies on the retailer’s team of 170,000 trained personal shoppers who pick customers’ orders. Like Walmart’s pickup and delivery service, there is no markup on items – an item is priced the same as it is on the shelf. Express delivery costs...

Ghost Kitchens Partners With Walmart Canada to Offer One-Stop Meal Pickup or Delivery

Ghost Kitchen Brands (GKB) is excited to announce it is teaming up with Walmart Canada, its first partnership with a big-box retailer to bring one-stop meal pickup and delivery to more Canadians. The first Ghost Kitchen at Walmart is now open in the St. Catharines Walmart (420 Vansickle Rd.) with additional locations in Woodstock, Toronto, Lachenaie and Saint-Constant to open in the coming months.

Customers can order freshly prepared meals in-store and online for contactless pickup or delivery (from a third-party app such as Uber Eats), and mix and match from more than 20 well-known brands including...

Walmart Launches COVID-19 Vaccine Drive to Reach More Residents in Vulnerable Communities

To drive higher vaccination rates in vulnerable communities by improving access to the COVID-19 vaccine, Walmart is creating a series of community events to administer the COVID-19 vaccine across the country. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is providing Walmart with allocation of the vaccine for this new effort, which Walmart is launching in partnership with local community leaders and nonprofit organizations.

These new events mark an expansion of Walmart’s role with the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program and are supplementing Walmart’s ongoing vaccination program at more than 1,400 pharmacies nationwide in...

Issa Brothers and TDR Capital Complete the Acquisition of Asda from Walmart

Walmart Inc., Asda Group Limited, the Issa brothers and TDR Capital have announced that the Issa brothers, founders and co-CEOs of EG Group, a global convenience and forecourts retailer, headquartered in Blackburn, UK, and investment funds managed by TDR Capital LLP, a leading UK-based private equity firm, have completed the acquisition of Asda, Walmart’s wholly-owned UK business, for an enterprise value of £6.8 billion, on a debt-free and cash-free basis.

The Issa brothers and TDR Capital have acquired a majority ownership stake in Asda, while Walmart will...

Walmart and Sam’s Club Pharmacies Administer COVID-19 Vaccines Through Federal Program

Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines through the U.S. Federal Retail Pharmacy Program on Feb. 12, 2021. More than 1,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in 22 states are receiving federal vaccine allocations this week, with an emphasis on locations that reach customers in underserved communities with limited access to health care. In addition to the 22 states, Walmart and Sam’s Club is also currently administering vaccinations under the state allocation in 11 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. While initial vaccine supply is limited, Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacists and technicians stand ready to help expand vaccine access across the country.

With 150 million customers and members passing through our doors each week, Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacists can safely and easily reach customers where...

Giant Food Reports Successful COVID-19 Vaccine Pilot Program Launch in Maryland

Giant Food reported the successful distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible Marylanders alongside Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland Department of Health as part of the pilot program launch. The vaccine administrations, which began Jan. 25 for residents in phase 1A/B/C, resulted in zero waste as all doses distributed to Giant's 22 Maryland stores were administered within a one-week period. The pilot program announced by the State of Maryland last month began with 35 retail pharmacies throughout the state at Giant, Walmart and Martin's locations.

"We've felt extremely fortunate to be selected for this collaboration with the state of Maryland, developing the best practices that will be the foundation for...

Impossible Foods Cuts Suggested Grocery Store Prices 20%

Thanks to tremendous growth and economies of scale over the past year, Impossible Foods is cutting suggested retail prices by 20% for grocery stores throughout the United States.

The price cuts bring the company’s suggested retail prices for Impossible Burger to $5.49 for patties and $6.99 for a 12-oz. package. (On-shelf prices may vary depending on location and retailer.)

Impossible Foods is strongly encouraging the roughly 17,000 grocery stores, supermarkets and retailers that sell Impossible Burger to pass the savings to...

Walmart to Begin Administering the COVID-19 Vaccine in Several States 

As we prepare this week to begin administering COVID-19 vaccines in Maryland, Texas, Delaware, Indiana and the District of Columbia to eligible populations as determined by each district and state, we know our pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are ready. It has been a year of hard work and preparation to get to this point. And as more people become eligible for vaccination, it’s a good time to take a look back at how we got here.

I’m on the clinical team with Dr. Tom Van Gilder, our chief medical officer, and last year, as soon as we heard about the speed at which COVID-19 was spreading toward the United States, we started planning immediately. And when we learned the viral sequence of SARS-CoV-2 was discovered in January of 2020, we knew at that point...

Walmart and HomeValet Pilot Smart Box Technology to Receive Fresh Deliveries

When Walmart launched its grocery delivery service in 2018, the company did it for one reason – customers wanted it. Since then, it’s been a lifesaver for busy families. They can simply shop their local store from anywhere and schedule a time to have it delivered right to their front door. It’s incredibly convenient.

But as Walmart's founder, Sam Walton, once said, “To succeed, stay out in front of change.” It’s why Walmart is continuously testing new technology, like drones and autonomous vehicles, to find new ways to serve customers. "Which made us think – what if we could...

Grocers Begin Offering the COVID-19 Vaccine

As shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine are being sent out around the United States, grocery chains are preparing to offer the vaccine through their pharmacies. Clearance for immunizations came in December, after the FDA authorized the use of the first COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech SE. The second vaccine to be authorized was developed by Moderna, which the FDA stated can be given to people 18 years of age and older and cited the shot's high effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 in a large clinical study.

Kroger announced it will provide the COVID-19 vaccine nationwide across its 2,200 pharmacies and 220 clinics, partnering with the federal government and state health departments to administer the vaccine in accordance with...

Walmart and Gatik Go Driverless in Arkansas and Expand Self-Driving Car Pilot To a Second Location

Last year Walmart began an autonomous vehicle pilot with Gatik to move customer orders on a two-mile route between a dark store (a store that stocks items for fulfillment but isn’t open to the public) and a Neighborhood Market in Bentonville, Arkansas. Since then, Walmart has safely driven more than 70,000 operational miles in autonomous mode with a safety driver.

Now, the company is taking the next step forward: Gatik’s multi-temperature Autonomous Box Trucks will operate this route driverless in the state of Arkansas. This achievement marks a new milestone that signifies...

Lightlife Strengthens Walmart Partnership by Expanding Tempeh to 3,500 Stores 

Greenleaf Foods, SPC announced a significant retail expansion of its Lightlife brand Tempeh—a versatile, high-protein, naturally-fermented food that appeals to plant-based and meat eaters alike. Lightlife Tempeh is now available in more than 3,500 Walmart locations nationwide—a more than ten-fold growth from its previous 300 stores—bringing the product’s retail distribution to over 18,500 retail locations. Lightlife is the market leader in tempeh, having grown at a rate of 44% in 2020 alone.

“Lightlife Tempeh accounted for about 80% of total U.S. tempeh dollar sales so far this year,” said Dan Curtin, president of Greenleaf Foods, SPC. “We are excited to grow our partnership with...

Walmart Releases Q3 FY21 Earnings

Walmart has released earnings for Q3 FY21. Below are highlights of the earnings results:

Total Revenue

Total revenue was $134.7 billion, an increase of $6.7 billion, or 5.2%. Excluding currency, total revenue would have increased 6.1% to reach $135.8 billion.

U.S. Comparable Sales

Walmart U.S. comparable sales increased 6.4% with strength across key categories, including...

Dr. Praeger’s Launches Refrigerated Veggie Burger Line

Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods announced their first refrigerated product line.

The Refrigerated Burger is debuting at Walmart and is available in two SKUs – Classic Veggie Burger and Chipotle Black Bean Veggie Burger. The new burgers feature the same veggie-forward look and flavor profile that Dr. Praeger’s customers know and love from fan favorites like the California Burger, and 13-16g of plant protein per patty. The Burgers are non-GMO, vegan and kosher certified.

After over 25 years in the frozen food aisle, Dr. Praeger’s is expanding to the refrigerated section to provide customers with nutritious and affordable veggie burger options no matter...

Hormel Foods Introduces Two New Flavors of Hormel Black Label Bacon

The makers of Hormel Black Label bacon are reinventing bacon once again with the launch of – Hormel Black Label Ranch Thick Cut Bacon and Hormel Black Label Classic Country Style Thick Cut Bacon.

The Hormel Black Label team brought the flavor and versatility of ranch to life with the latest innovation of Hormel Black Label Ranch Thick Cut Bacon. Ranch lovers can rejoice, because this new flavor is hand-rubbed with ranch seasoning and naturally hardwood smoked to create an irresistible flavor.

"Our team combined American's favorite condiment with thick-cut bacon to create Hormel Black Label bacon hand-rubbed with...

Beyond Meat to Expand Walmart Distribution

Beyond Meat, Inc. announced a major expansion in its long-standing relationship with Walmart. Following this summer’s successful launch of the Cookout Classic value pack, Beyond Meat’s most affordable product offering to date, this fall, Walmart plans to triple availability of the Beyond Burger from approximately 800 locations to more than 2,400 stores nationwide beginning next week. The move comes as part of Beyond Meat’s effort to increase worldwide accessibility to simple, plant-based meat products made without GMOs.

Beyond Meat first launched its frozen products at Walmart in 2015. Since then, Walmart has expanded its Beyond Meat in-store offerings to include the Beyond Burger and Beyond Sausage in the fresh meat aisle and most recently...

Walmart Sets Goal to Become a Regenerative Company

Building on more than 15 years of sustainability leadership, Walmart today announced it is doubling down on addressing the growing climate crisis by targeting zero emissions across the company’s global operations by 2040. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are also committing to help protect, manage or restore at least 50 million acres of land and one million square miles of ocean by 2030 to help combat the cascading loss of nature threatening the planet.

“We want to play an important role in transforming the world’s supply chains to be regenerative. We face a growing crisis of climate change and nature loss, and we all need to take action with urgency,” said Doug McMillon, president and chief executive officer, Walmart Inc...

Walmart Now Piloting On-Demand Drone Delivery

Walmart's latest initiative has the company exploring how drones can deliver items in a way that is convenient, safe, and fast. Walmart is taking the next step in the exploration of on-demand delivery by announcing a new pilot with Flytrex, an end-to-end drone delivery company.

The pilot is launching in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and focuses on delivering select grocery and household essential items from Walmart stores using Flytrex's automated drones. The drones, which are controlled over the cloud using a smart and easy control dashboard, will help...

Walmart Introduces New Membership Program 

Walmart is launching a new membership program that brings together in-store and online benefits to save customers money and time: Walmart+.

Walmart+ uses the company’s unique assets to make life easier for busy families. Along with the power of its online presence, Walmart+ has the reach of more than 4,700 stores, including 2,700 stores that offer delivery as fast as same day. Members will receive unlimited free delivery from stores, fuel discounts and access to tools that make shopping faster for families. Membership will be available to...

Impossible Foods Debuts at Walmart 

Impossible Foods’ flagship product will begin rolling out at Walmart.

The Impossible Burger has started hitting Walmart shelves and will soon be stocked in nearly 2,100 Walmart Supercenter and Walmart Neighborhood Market locations. Customers can find Impossible Burger in the fresh meat section of the store in convenient, versatile 12-ounce packages. Impossible Burger is also available through Walmart Grocery Pickup & Delivery.

With the addition of Walmart locations, Impossible Burger will be available in more than 8,000 brick-and-mortar grocery stores across all 50 states -- a more than 50X increase...

JUST Egg to Debut at Select Retailers in Canada this Fall

Eat Just, Inc., announced that its award-winning plant-based egg will be coming to Whole Foods Market and select Walmart stores in Canada this fall. Canada is one of the most requested markets for the product, which has been a breakout success in retail and foodservice channels in the United States since its nationwide launch last year.

The newly released fluffy, folded format, will be marketed as JUST Plant Egg in Canada. It will be sold as a box of four in the frozen aisle at Whole Foods Market in Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria and Ottawa, and at more than 100 Walmart stores coast-to-coast. Additional on-shelf details will be announced at a later date.

In the U.S., sales of the toaster-ready product have surged since April, and it is now the #1 frozen breakfast entrée by velocity in the Natural Channel, according to...

Beyond Meat Introduces Limited Edition Burger Pack

Beyond Meat is making plant-based burgers more accessible and affordable this summer with the introduction of Cookout Classic, a limited edition burger 10-pack available at a majority of Walmart and Target stores nationwide and select retailers across the U.S. beginning the week of June 22. Sold in the frozen meat aisle with a suggested retail price of $15.99 ($1.60 per patty), the new offering will be available through mid-August, or until supplies last, and is intended to narrow the price gap between plant-based meat and animal protein.

With growing consumer interest in plant-based protein, the Cookout Classic value pack is designed to inspire a plant-based meat option at barbecues and summer gatherings. The burgers are made with...

Walmart Releases Q1 FY21 Earnings

Walmart's net sales and operating results were significantly affected by the outbreak of COVID-19.

Unprecedented demand for products across multiple categories led to strong top-line results. Certain incremental costs negatively affected operating income, including costs associated with enhanced wages and benefits as well as safety and sanitation.

Total revenue was $134.6 billion, an increase of $10.7 billion, or 8.6%. Excluding currency, total revenue would have increased 9.7% to reach $135.9 billion.

Walmart U.S. comp sales increased 10.0%, led by strength in food, consumables, health & wellness and...

Walmart Introduces Express Delivery

Walmart is announcing Express Delivery, a new service that delivers more items from the store than ever before to customers’ doors in less than two hours.

Walmart has accelerated the development of the service in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, piloting Express Delivery in 100 stores since mid-April. The service will expand to nearly 1,000 stores in early May and will be available in nearly 2,000 total stores in the following weeks. Express Delivery allows customers to order across more than 160,000 items from Walmart’s food, consumables and general merchandise assortment such as...