Meat snack brand Vermont Smoke & Cure has announced a nationwide expansion, securing new partnership with Walmart and The Giant Co. while growing its presence in Kroger stores. This multi-retailer expansion represents the largest distribution growth in the company's history, bringing its meat snacks to millions of new consumers in the second quarter of 2025.

"This expansion across three major retail partners marks a transformative moment for Vermont Smoke & Cure," says Michael Schafer, commercial business lead at Vermont Smoke & Cure. "Combined with our recent Costco Northeast Division growth, we're bringing our handcrafted products to more consumers than ever before, while maintaining our unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship."

Vermont Smoke & Cure products will be available in 400 Walmart locations beginning in May, featuring the Customer Favorites Variety Pack and six-count, 1-oz Premium Beef and Original meat sticks. More than 1,000 Kroger stores nationwide will feature dedicated racks in the meat department, showcasing 3-oz Turkey Pepperoni and BBQ mini sticks, along with six-count, 1-oz Premium Beef sticks. Vermont Smoke & Cure is expanding its presence in 146 Giant stores, with 1-oz sticks, 3-oz mini sticks pouches, and select six-count, 1-oz sticks featured in aisle and on dedicated racks near the meat department. 

This retail expansion comes on the heels of Vermont Smoke & Cure's recently announced growth within Costco's Northeast Division, which introduced the brand's new Hickory Smoked Premium Beef Stick to Costco members across the region.

"Our products' exceptional dollar and unit velocity metrics have fueled interest from major retailers seeking premium meat snack options that don't compromise on quality or taste," says Schafer. "Our commitment to handcrafting premium, slow-cooked meat snacks resonates with today's consumers who prioritize high-quality protein snacks with clean ingredients."

Vermont Smoke & Cure products maintain the brand's strict quality standards, using meats free from antibiotics and added hormones, with no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. Each meat stick is crafted in small batches, slow-cooked for over 18 hours, and smoked with real hardwood chips in the company's Vermont smokehouse.

"We never cut corners—it's just not in our nature," says Schafer. "The idea of using sub-standard meat or rushing our process offends the very fiber of our being. Our retail partners appreciate our commitment to craftsmanship, and consumers recognize the difference in every bite."

Related: Vermont Smoke & Cure expands product line