Unmasking the Mysterious Makers of Walmart’s Great Value Bacon

Crispy, smoky, salty bacon is a breakfast staple for millions of Americans. For Walmart shoppers on a budget, the retailer’s Great Value bacon offers all that bacon goodness at an affordable price. But who’s actually making this popular store-brand bacon found in Walmart deli cases nationwide? Let’s unravel the mystery behind the manufacturers of everyone’s favorite salty pork treat.

As the largest grocery retailer in the U.S., Walmart offers an extensive selection of low-cost, private label store brands that compete with national names. Great Value is Walmart’s leading private brand covering hundreds of grocery items like bacon and other breakfast foods.

Walmart’s Great Value bacon comes in convenient one pound packages and a variety of styles like regular, thick-cut, turkey and pre-cooked. With prices up to 30% less than national brands, it’s an easy choice for shoppers seeking bacon on a budget.

But Walmart doesn’t actually make any products themselves So which major meat companies produce the sizzling Great Value bacon found in Walmart stores everywhere?

George’s Prepared Foods – A Longtime Walmart Partner

One of the main suppliers of Great Value bacon is George’s Prepared Foods, a division of agribusiness giant Cargill The company operates large poultry and pork processing plants that pump out huge volumes of products for retail, foodservice and private label.

Based in Arkansas, George’s 130,000 sq. foot plant in Springdale supplies Walmart with a reported 20% of their Great Value pork products including bacon They have a long, close history with the retailer dating back to the 1980s

With facilities across multiple states and over 400,000 pounds of bacon produced daily, George’s has the capabilities and Walmart relationship to be a key player in their store-brand bacon production.

Smithfield – A Bacon Behemoth

No discussion of bacon makers is complete without mentioning Smithfield, the largest pork processor in the world. Smithfield produces well-known brands like Farmland and Armour in addition to store brands for chains like Kroger, Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club.

Though not confirmed, Smithfield is likely another major producer of Walmart’s Great Value bacon with their expertise in pork products and working relationships with America’s top retailers.

As a global meat powerhouse, Smithfield has an unparalleled supply chain with company-owned farms and processing plants across America. They have the production muscle and distribution network that Walmart depends on for delivering billions of pounds of bacon each year.

Why Walmart Chooses These Top Producers

Walmart likely relies on major manufacturers like George’s and Smithfield to make Great Value bacon because of:

• Sheer size and scalability – Each company has multiple large plants with capacity to supply thousands of stores.

• National distribution – With facilities spread across the country, they can readily supply Walmart locations everywhere.

• Category focus – George’s and Smithfield specialize in pork and bacon suited to Walmart’s needs.

• Walmart relationships – Both have well-established supply partnerships with Walmart built over decades.

• Vertical integration – From farm to plant, these companies control the entire supply chain for quality and efficiency.

By consolidating store-brand production with leading pork suppliers, Walmart streamlines their supply chain while keeping bacon prices low for customers.

What Goes Into Making Great Value Bacon?

Ever wonder exactly how bacon gets made before arriving neatly packaged at Walmart? Here’s a quick look behind the scenes:

• Pork belly selection – Only the highest quality, consistently sized pork bellies are chosen.

• Curing and smoking – Pork bellies are cured in a water solution with salt, sugar, and nitrites then hot smoked for flavor.

• Slicing – Bellies are pressed into blocks to firm up before precisely slicing to the desired thickness.

• QC checks – Slices are inspected for quality and consistency of appearance, color and saltiness.

• Packaging – Bacon slices are packed in protective materials that maximize freshness and shelf life.

• Labeling – Packages are labeled with safe handling instructions, nutrition facts, and recognizable Great Value branding.

• Distribution – The packaged bacon is shipped in refrigerated trucks to Walmart warehouses then local store shelves.

Thanks to major supplier expertise, each step adheres to the highest standards consumers expect from a favorite brand like Great Value.

Why Walmart’s Bacon Resonates with Shoppers

Between trusted manufacturers and Walmart’s reputation, Great Value bacon delivers on quality and value shoppers seek:

• Taste – Curing and smoking by seasoned producers like George’s and Smithfield ensures full-flavored bacon.

• Price – Walmart’s negotiating power means they can sell quality bacon for up to 30% less than big national brands.

• Accessibility – With over 4,700 US stores, Walmart makes buying bacon quick and convenient.

• Familiarity – The Great Value brand builds shopper loyalty and repeat purchases.

For millions of households, grabbing bacon at Walmart is an ingrained weekend routine thanks to this winning formula.

Summary: Walmart Conjures Bacon Magic

Through a simple combo of distribution might and partnerships with leaders like George’s Prepared Foods and Smithfield, Walmart brings home the bacon, literally. Backed by major manufacturers, their Great Value store-brand enables shoppers everywhere to enjoy tasty, affordable bacon without compromise. So next time you’re whipping up a weekend bacon breakfast, remember the pork pros who crafted that familiar red-and-white package just for you.