When in Rome, do as the Romans do. And when in Canada, do what the Canadians do — or so thought Walmart CEO Doug McMillon.
During Walmart's earnings call last week, McMillon told Wall Street analysts that on a recent visit to the retailer's stores in Calgary he was offered ketchup-flavored potato chips, a popular item in the country. But the CEO wasn't won over by his taste test of Walmart's private label version of the crispy snack.
“When I was in Canada, they made me eat ‘Great Value’ tomato-ketchup potato chips," McMillon said. “I’m out on that. I’m sure Canadians love it, but that’s one private-brand item that I’m not a fan of.”
Walmart Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey chimed in that McMillon "made some of us eat that," and a few chuckles could be heard in the background. McMillion added: "John David liked them better than I did."
Ketchup chips were created in the late 1970s by a Canadian snack company, and their popularity surged. A story in Fast Company several years ago said, "sure it sounds ridiculous, but ketchup chips are practically a national food" in Canada. McMillon said catering to Walmart customers — and their preferences — across its international footprint is imperative.
“It’s important for us to have a wide range of assortment for a broad section of customers ... Situations are different for different customers, and whatever the situation is for any particular customer, then that’s what we want to be there for,” he said.
Meanwhile, a petition has been circulating in an attempt to make the chips available to the U.S.
"Lays Ketchup Chips are perhaps one of the greatest snacks ever made," the petition states. "However, they are only sold in Canada and outlandishly expensive to order online. Will you help me tell Lays that America wants their ketchup chips!?!" The petition has 16 signatures.