Where Does Walmart Meat Come From in 2024?
Walmart sells a tremendous volume of affordable meat to millions of customers daily. But where exactly does all that beef, chicken, pork and other meat at your local Walmart come from? And how has Walmart evolved their supply chain to improve quality control in 2024?
All Walmart Meat Originated in North America
Walmart maintains strict standards that all fresh meat sold at their stores must originate from animals born, raised and processed in the United States, Canada or Mexico. This includes their private label Black Angus beef brand processed in Walmart‘s own Georgia facility, as well as name brands like Tyson or Perdue chicken supplied by major meat companies.
Over 90% of Meat Traced to U.S. Farms
While Walmart allows meat products from anywhere in North America, examinations of internal traceability data show over 90% of red meat and poultry sold at Walmart U.S. stores could be traced back to American farms in 2022. This emphasizes Walmart‘s commitment to supporting U.S. ranchers and meat producers.
| Meat Type | Sample Source Locations |
|---|---|
| Beef | Texas, Nebraska, Colorado |
| Pork | Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota |
| Chicken | Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina |
In-House Processing for Enhanced Quality Control
Whereas Walmart meat was previously all processed by outside suppliers, they‘ve taken quality control into their own hands. Walmart now operates processing plants for their Black Angus beef brand. Bringing this in-house provides improved oversight into how livestock are handled and meat prepared for maximum freshness.
USDA Grade Audits Confirm Premium Quality
Walmart enforces strict standards for meat quality, having all beef, pork and lamb products USDA graded. Last year, over 25% of Walmart‘s case-ready beef carried USDA‘s premium "Choice" designation – surpassing many competitor‘s ratings. Third-party taste tests in 2024 also show Walmart Black Angus beef rating comparably to premium steakhouse chains.
Sourcing Alignment with Animal Welfare Values
Walmart meat suppliers must comply with Walmart‘s Animal Welfare Position statement, which mandates humane handling, reduced antibiotics and other ethical sourcing safeguards. Compliance audits are conducted annually. This emphasis confirms Walmart‘s commitment to sustainable and ethical meat production practices.
So when you pick up meat products at Walmart, you can feel assured they were raised humanely right here in North America to meet Walmart’s elevated quality standards. Initiatives like Walmart’s own Black Angus beef processing also indicate meat quality is a priority for Walmart in 2024 and beyond.
