Variable Interest Entity

6 Months Ended

Jan. 28, 2018

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block]

Variable Interest Entity

In February 2016, we agreed to make a $125 capital commitment to Acre Venture Partners, L.P. (Acre), a limited partnership formed to make venture capital investments in innovative new companies in food and food-related industries. Acre is managed by its general partner, Acre Ventures GP, LLC, which is independent of us. We are the sole limited partner of Acre and own a 99.8% interest. Our share of earnings (loss) is calculated according to the terms of the partnership agreement. Acre is a VIE. We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary. Therefore, we consolidate Acre and account for the third party ownership as a noncontrolling interest. Through January 28, 2018, we funded $71 of the capital commitment. Except for the remaining unfunded capital commitment of $54, we do not have obligations to provide additional financial or other support to Acre.

Acre elected the fair value option to account for qualifying investments to more appropriately reflect the value of the investments in the financial statements. The investments were $70 and $51 as of January 28, 2018, and July 30, 2017, respectively, and are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair values of investments for which the fair value option was elected are included in Other expenses / (income) on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Current assets and liabilities of Acre were not material as of January 28, 2018, or July 30, 2017.