Walmart (WMT) Looks to Grandmas to Boost Tariff-Beating U.S. Supply Chain
Walmart held its 12th annual Open Call, featuring 500 entrepreneurs pitching U.S.-made products for shelf space. Over 100 businesses, including Grandma Betty's Grits and Vaquero Snacks, received Golden Tickets to sell at Walmart and Sam's Club. This initiative supports small businesses and U.S. manufacturing, aligning with Walmart's $350 billion commitment to domestic sourcing. The event also showcased 13 companies innovating in U.S. manufacturing technologies, enhancing Walmart's strategy to mitigate tariff impacts and price hikes.
Golden Tickets
The group held its 12th annual Open Call this week involving 500 entrepreneurs from 47 states trying to win space on the Walmart shelves. Each product they pitched – to the delight surely of President Trump – is made, grown, or assembled in the U.S.
Businesses that won so-called Golden Tickets to get on WMT or Sam's Club physical or online shelves included Grandma Betty's Grits, Vaquero Snacks and Scentsational Soaps & Candles.
More than 100 businesses received Golden Tickets, which offer suppliers the opportunity for their products to be sold on Walmart and Sam's Club shelves and online — joining the more than 60 percent of Walmart U.S. suppliers that are small businesses. Standout recipients include Grandma Betty's Grits (GA), Vaquero Snacks (CA), and Scentsational Soaps & Candles (FL).
"Open Call is Walmart at its best, backing American jobs, lifting up small businesses and offering customers new products they'll love," said John Furner, President & CEO, Walmart U.S. while no doubt waving the Stars and Stripes flag. "For the past 12 years, the event has helped entrepreneurs grow, and in the process, helped boost U.S. manufacturing."
Billion Dollar Commitment
In 2021, Walmart announced a $350 billion, 10-year commitment to purchase products made, grown or assembled in the U.S. As of the end of last year, Walmart increased cumulative U.S. spend by $176 billion toward its $350 billion goal, and about two-thirds of Walmart U.S. product spend was on goods suppliers reported were sourced domestically.
A particular advantage now given President Trump's tariff strategy and perhaps a way to limit resulting price hikes.
Open Call also included presentations from 13 companies developing technologies that support U.S. manufacturing. These innovations ranged from shelf-life extension and yield optimization to alternative materials and advanced production techniques. Some participants included Plantible, which makes plant-based protein, Loom 3D, and Blum Agtec.
