Bentonville, Ark. – Walmart has announced the creation of its Supplier Inclusion Showcase to promote products from the company’s diverse suppliers’ community.

A diverse supplier is defined as a held U.S. company that is 51% owned and operated by a woman, minority, veteran, disabled veteran, person with a disability or a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) community. Walmart recognizes and tracks the following diverse classifications: women, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Native Alaskans, LGBT people, veterans, disabled veterans and people with disabilities.

The Supplier Inclusion Showcase officially launched at the Essence Festival in New Orleans over the weekend and featured products from more than a dozen suppliers, including eyewear from Cynthia Bailey, Joe’s Gourmet Fish Fry and Positively Perfect Dolls by Dr. Lisa Williams.

Walmart’s network of diverse suppliers includes 2,600 companies representing hundreds of thousands of products in Walmart stores and on Walmart.com. After Essence Festival, the showcase will be updated periodically to focus on other diverse suppliers’ products.

“We encourage diverse companies to explore new possibilities with Walmart and on Walmart.com," said Michael Byron, senior director, supplier diversity and inclusion for Walmart.