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Walmart Stores is testing, tasting and developing national brand and private label products in its new 12,000-square-foot Culinary & Innovation Center in Bentonville, Ark.
At a media event attended by SN last Thursday, a range of fresh and packaged products were introduced.
"We know customers are seeking healthier products," Marlena Bond, senior director of dry grocery, private brands for Walmart told SN, "and we're working very closely with suppliers to make sure we meet all the USDA organic standards. We feel really good about the flavors and the performance and the delivery of these products and think that the customer once they try them will have a really positive experience."
Related story: Food in focus at Walmart's new culinary center
A line of meal kits sold under the Street Kitchen brand was born out of an exclusive supplier partnership with an Australian company. Products in the line include premeasured spices and marinades.
The flavors (ancho chile and lime tacos, kung pao chicken, Malaysian satay chicken and Moroccan lemon chicken) aim to evoke global "street food" cuisines, Ryan Isabel, a dry grocer buyer for Walmart, told SN.
Sam's Choice Mixed Fruit Preserves were among the products introduced.
Pizzadilla Mexican-style pizza will be sold under the Great Value line.
A Pack of Trouble craft beer variety pack includes brews like Cats Away IPA and After Party Pale Ale.
A half-pound frozen breakfast sandwich is being sold under the Great Value Big Burly label.
Spices sold under the Great Value Organic line are among more than 100 items scheduled to hit shelves by the end of July.
Great Value Breakfast Biscuits play into the morning snacking trend made popular by Millennials.
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