Walmart beefs up Angus supply chain

Walmart is opening a new case-ready facility to support its young Angus beef business.

The discount giant’s 201,000-sq.-ft. facility, located in Thomasville, Ga., and operated by FPL Foods, will distribute a selection of Angus beef cuts, such as steaks and roasts, from the its supply chain to 500 Walmart stores in the southeast, including Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.

Walmart first launched its proprietary Angus beef supply chain in April 2019. Working with what it calls “best-in-class” cattle ranchers, feeders, processors, and packagers, Walmart is promising to create an end-to-end supply chain that will provide full visibility at every step from source to shelf and be transparent to customers.

Walmart began construction on the facility in August 2018. It is expected to bring more than 200 jobs to Georgia.

“Our new Angus beef supply chain is a perfect example of Walmart’s dedication to bringing customers high-quality food at a great price,” said Scott Neal, senior VP, meat, Walmart U.S. “By enlisting a number of top companies to take part in our Angus beef supply chain, including FLP Foods, which operates the facility, we’re proud to open today we’ll be able to provide customers with unprecedented transparency throughout the supply chain and leverage the learning we gain across our business.”

In addition to FPL Foods, Walmart is working supply chain partners including Texas rancher Bob McClaren of Prime Pursuits, who is helping source cattle from raised on family farms and ranches, Mc6 Cattle Feeders on feed, and Creekstone Farms on processing. 

Agricultural companies Tyson Foods and Cargill currently provide Walmart with most of its beef products, and will continue to do so. But this move will reduce the amount of Angus beef Walmart obtains from outside suppliers.