Walmart Canada has announced a long-term supply agreement with Hilton Foods, the leading international multi-protein food business, to provide a range of protein products to its Supercentres across the country.
Hilton Foods will open a new manufacturing facility in Eastern Canada, which will be its first in North America, to supply Walmart with beef, lamb, pork, seafood and some added-value products. The facility will use robotised store order picking to deliver the products to Walmart’s distribution centres.
The partnership aims to meet the increasing consumer demand for high quality, good value and sustainable protein products in Canada. Hilton Foods will apply its strong ESG credentials and its Sustainable Protein Plan to the North American market, which aligns with Walmart’s commitment to sustainability.
Hilton Foods expects to start production in 2026 and will finance the investment in plant and equipment with debt. The company said that its leverage will remain at comfortable levels during this phase.
Steve Murrells, Hilton Foods CEO, said that the agreement was a sign of the strength of their customer offer and their global footprint. He added that they were looking forward to providing Walmart with the service and range of quality products for which Hilton Foods is known.
Sam Wankowski, Chief Merchandising Officer, Walmart Canada, said that the agreement was a win for their customers and that they were strengthening their delivery of quality products at low prices and with more sustainable packaging. He also said that they would continue to support Canadian farms and ranches.
Sourabh Malik, Vice President Food, Walmart Canada, said that the new protein processing solution with Hilton Foods would exceed their customers’ expectations and provide them with fresh, consistent Walmart Brand protein in the sizes and cuts they were looking for.