Half a dozen Virginia companies selected for Walmart’s Open Call

Six Virginia companies are heading to Bentonville, Ark., for the chance to earn a place on the shelf of the world’s largest retailer.

The companies are among more than 500 U.S. businesses pitching products at Walmart’s Open Call on June 28.

“While finding products our customers want is a year-round focus for our buying teams, Walmart’s annual Open Call is a special opportunity to connect our buyers with companies that are manufacturing products in the U.S. and to identify new and unique product solutions,” Cindi Marsiglio, Walmart vice president for U.S. sourcing and manufacturing, said in a statement.

Richmond-based Mary’s Kitchen is one of the Virginia companies pitching at the event.

“When she was a child, people would line up to get her mother Dorothy’s sweet potato pies; and now Mary is bringing the same recipe to Open Call,” Walmart said in a statement. “This is a chance for her to share her family’s tradition with Walmart shoppers.”

A Walmart spokesperson said the company could not release the names of the other Virginia companies pitching their products at Open Call. The event is now in its fourth year.

Attendees this year represent 47 states and Puerto Rico. States with some of the largest representation include California, Florida and Illinois.

Photo courtesy Walmart.