Walmart, Kroger, Walgreens and CVS among those honored for inclusion

SOUTHPORT, Conn. — Walmart, Kroger, Target, Walgreens, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Ahold USA, Cardinal Health and CVS Health were all named as top 50 U.S. corporations for inclusion by Omnikal (formerly Diversity Business). The Omni50 is a listing of the top 50 corporate and government buyers of products and services from an inclusive supply chain throughout the country.

Telecomm company AT&T ranked first on the list. Walmart placed second, Kroger came in eighth, Target placed No. 16, Walgreens came in at 24th, Johnson & Johnson was 28th, Pfizer placed 34th, Ahold USA came in at No. 40 and CVS Health placed 44th on the list.

“While other awards and ‘top’ lists crown companies for overall economic growth, returns to shareholders and similar metrics, the Omni50 is an indicator of which organizations provide the best and the most business awarded to diverse-owned companies,” Omnikal stated. “This, in turn, attracts more corporations, as they compete for market share in multicultural communities.”

Reuben Shaffer, Kroger's chief diversity officer said, “Across the Kroger family of companies, we are committed to creating business opportunities for women-and-minority-owned businesses,” said  “We are especially honored by this recognition because it is directly selected by diversity business owners in the United States.”

The importance of inclusion of diverse suppliers and the need to reach an increasingly diverse consumer base will be the focus of Drug Store News and Mack Elevation’s third annual New General Market Summit, which will be held April 4 in Minneapolis. The exclusive thought-leadership platform will assemble several leading CPG organizations that passionately connect with today’s ever-changing, ever more diverse consumer.