Walmart Hit with $222 Million U.S. Verdict in Food Preservation Trade Secret Case
May 19, 2025 | 1 min to read
A jury in an Arkansas federal court concluded that Walmart owes technology startup Zest Labs over $222 million for misappropriating its trade secrets aimed at reducing food waste. The award includes $72.7 million in compensatory damages and $150 million in punitive damages, following Zest's claim that Walmart wrongfully utilized its technology for enhancing food preservation after it was shared with the retail giant.
A jury in Arkansas federal court found that Walmart (WMT.N), opens new tab owes technology startup Zest Labs more than $222 million following a retrial on allegations that Walmart stole its trade secrets for reducing food waste, Zest said.
Zest said the jury awarded the company $72.7 million in compensatory damages and $150 million in punitive damages, finding that Walmart had misused its trade secrets after Zest shared its technology for improving food preservation with the retail giant.
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