2 DC Area Bakers Land Walmart Deal

WASHINGTON, DC — Two DC area bakers will see their products on the shelves of Walmart stores after taking part in Walmart's U.S. Manufacturing Open Call Wednesday.

More than 500 entrepreneurs from across the country met at Walmart's corporate office in Bentonville, Ark. Wednesday to network and present their products. Nearly 100 companies received deals on the spot, including DC-based Cakelove and Hyattsville, Maryland-based DC Sweet Potato Cake.

Cakelove received a deal to sell its cake jars in 50 to 100 Walmart stores in the Washington region, WTOP reports.

Founded by local baker Warren Brown, Cakelove first started with a U Street bakery in 2002 that landed Brown on the Food Network, according to The Washington Post. Since then, all of Cakelove's bakeries have closed, but Brown still sells his speciality jarred cakes.

Cakelove now focuses on their variety of jarred cakes, including Salty Caramel, Spice Cake, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Caramel Apple and more. They sell their products online, in various Whole Foods Markets and some Walgreens.

DC Sweet Potato Cake received a deal to sell their cakes, cupcakes and other speciality items at 250 Walmart stores, WTOP says. They first opened as Delectable Cakery in 1998, and has since sold their products at Starbucks, Safeway and Wegmans.

“American entrepreneurship is on full display during Open Call,” said Cindi Marsiglio, Walmart vice president, U.S. Manufacturing. “Today has been a fantastic show of innovation, and we are proud to extend an offer and digital shelf space on Walmart.com to today’s participants.”

Photo: Mike Mozart/Flickr