Walmart Celebrates National Small Business Month by Showcasing Local Entrepreneur

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2025

EAU CLAIRE, WI – In recognition of National Small Business Month, Walmart today hosted representatives from Silver Spring Foods at its Gateway Drive Supercenter in Eau Claire to showcase their locally made horseradish. Throughout the month of May, Walmart is hosting in-store events or participating in factory tours across the country to showcase American-made products and the entrepreneurs behind them.

Small businesses are crucial to the US economy, contributing significantly to job creation, economic growth, and community development. More than 60% of Walmart U.S. suppliers are small businesses, and two-thirds of Walmart’s total product spend is on items made, grown, or assembled in the U.S.

“Our customers have told us that second to price, where products are made influences their purchase decisions,” said Lisa Nelson, Walmart Public Affairs Director. “As we celebrate the small businesses here in Wisconsin and across the country, Walmart remains committed to buying great quality products that create jobs in communities across the U.S. It makes sense for our customers, our communities and our company.”

Silver Spring Foods, a subsidiary of Huntsinger Farms, the world’s largest grower and processor of horseradish, has enjoyed a relationship with Walmart that spans more than 15 years. Today, Silver Spring’s flagship Prepared Horseradish is available in approximately 4,483 Walmart stores across the U.S., bringing bold, fresh flavor to households from coast to coast.

“Walmart has helped us bring horseradish and our specialty condiments to consumers and communities who may not find us in their local grocery store,” said Eric Rygg, President of Silver Spring Foods and a fourth-generation horseradish farmer. “Our roots run deep in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and we’re proud to grow from those roots into thousands of Walmart stores nationwide, introducing more people to the bold flavor and quality we’ve delivered since 1929.”

In addition to Prepared Horseradish, Walmart has proudly offered a range of Silver Spring Foods products, including Fresh Ground Horseradish, Beer’n Brat Mustard, Jalapeño Mustard, Dijon Mustard, and Deli Style Mustard. Customers have also enjoyed flavors from the company’s family of brands, such as Kelchner’s Horseradish and popular condiments from the Bookbinder’s line, including Prepared Horseradish, Cocktail Sauce, and Tartar Sauce.

More than 40 years ago, Sam Walton set a priority to support American-made products and the small businesses behind them. Walmart is taking its commitment further with the Grow With US initiative. Grow With US is designed to help U.S. small businesses with the training, mentorship, and resources they need to grow with Walmart. 

Some of the companies that are being highlighted this month have participated in Walmart’s annual Open Call. For more than 10 years, Walmart has been inviting American entrepreneurs to the exciting and unique opportunity to come to Walmart headquarters in Bentonville to potentially get their product in the hands of millions of Walmart customers.

FULL COVERAGE from News 8

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Walmart in Wisconsin

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online and through their mobile devices. In Wisconsin, we serve customers at 97 retail units and online through Walmart.com. We are proud to employ 34,190 associates in Wisconsin. Walmart supports local businesses, spending $5.2 billion with Wisconsin suppliers in fiscal year 2024 and supporting 76,723 Wisconsin supplier jobs. Walmart continues to be a leader in employment opportunity, sustainability, and corporate philanthropy. In fiscal year 2024, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation contributed more than $19 million in cash and in-kind donations to local nonprofits in Wisconsin. Learn more at corporate.walmart.com.

About Silver Spring Foods

Silver Spring Foods is a subsidiary of Huntsinger Farms, Inc., the world’s largest grower and processor of horseradish. The company, which has been family-owned and operated since 1929, processes, packages, and markets horseradish along with a variety of specialty mustards and other quality food products to retail, food service, private label, and industrial customers. In 2021 Huntsinger Farms hosted Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, the largest agricultural show in Wisconsin and one of the largest in the nation. For more information, visit www.silverspringfoods.com.

Media Contact:
Mark Rickel, Walmart
mark.rickel@walmart.com
479-510-4665

Jeni Path, Silver Spring Foods, Inc.
JPath@silverspringfoods.com
715-308-2363