FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Essential Candy Partners with Walmart, the U.S. Retail Giant, Bringing Plant-Powered Lozenges to Shelves and Supporting American Jobs
Greenville, South Carolina – November 1, 2023 – Essential Candy®, a leading producer of premium, plant-powered lozenges crafted with organic botanicals, is proud to announce a major milestone in its mission to make high-quality wellness products more accessible nationwide. The company has officially entered into a partnership with Walmart, bringing Essential Candy’s Plant-Powered Lozenges to select Walmart retail stores in the coming months.
This achievement follows Essential Candy’s participation in Walmart’s exclusive 10th Annual Open Call event, held at the retailer’s Home Office in Bentonville, Arkansas. Walmart—the largest U.S. retailer with annual revenue exceeding $600.1 billion—reviewed more than 15,000 U.S.-made products from 6,000 companies. Of those, just over 1,000 were invited to present—and only a select group were chosen to advance into supplier partnerships. Essential Candy was honored to be among the elite few selected.
Tracy Ernst, Founder of Essential Candy, shared her excitement:
“Partnering with Walmart is an incredible milestone for our company. Our plant-powered lozenges were created with intention, care, and a commitment to clean ingredients. Being recognized by a retail leader like Walmart reinforces the dedication and hard work of our entire team. We are thrilled to introduce our products to Walmart’s customers across the country.”
Dean Ernst, President of Essential Candy, added:
“Walmart’s support of U.S.-made products aligns perfectly with our values as a family-owned American business. This partnership will allow us to expand our reach and further our mission of delivering meaningful, plant-powered wellness through our products.”
A Mission Rooted in Purpose
Essential Candy continues to grow its Candy With A Purpose™ initiative, a program dedicated to giving back to individuals facing difficult seasons in life—including those in recovery, caregivers, and members of support communities. For every bag purchased, Essential Candy donates a bag to someone in need of comfort, encouragement, or support.
This mission reflects the heart of the brand: nourishing people with clean, intentional, plant-based wellness—while spreading kindness along the way.
Strengthening U.S. Jobs and American Manufacturing
All Essential Candy lozenges are produced in the United States. As the company prepares for increased production to meet Walmart’s demand, this expansion will support the creation of additional American jobs. The partnership aligns with Walmart’s “Investing in American Jobs” initiative, a long-term commitment that includes a $350 billion investment to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and support American communities.
About Essential Candy®
Founded in 2019 by Tracy Ernst, Essential Candy® is a family-owned wellness company dedicated to crafting plant-powered lozenges made with organic botanicals and real ingredients. Their products are organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, vegan, and free from artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives. Essential Candy remains committed to its Candy With A Purpose™ mission—spreading comfort and care through thoughtful giving with every purchase.
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. is the largest retailer in the United States, with annual revenue exceeding $600.1 billion. Walmart provides a wide range of merchandise and services at everyday low prices across its 10,482 retail units worldwide, including Walmart U.S., Sam’s Club, and Walmart International stores. As of the FY2023 year-end, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates globally, including 1.6 million in the United States. For more information, visit www.walmart.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
For interviews, brand assets, or additional information, media outlets may contact:
Tracy Ernst, Founder
Dean Ernst, President
Essential Candy®