It makes sense that when produce gets to our stores quicker and more efficiently, it will last longer when you get it home. But what may not be as apparent are all the ways that sustainability plays a role in making this happen.
For example, we’ve committed to doubling the sourcing of locally grown produce we sell in the U.S. between 2010 and 2015. We still have a couple of years to go to hit that target, but we’re well on our way, working with local farmers across the country to make sure we sell produce that is grown and sold in the same state. This limits the miles that produce has to travel, but it also supports local economies.
We’re also investing in our perishable supply chain – $1 billion worldwide by 2015 – so that we can deliver fresher, higher-quality food with a longer shelf life. The environmental benefit is that better refrigeration reduces our greenhouse gas emissions.
Fresher produces impacts not only what we sell, it also impacts what we toss in the garbage. As part of our goal to create zero waste, we’ve been working hard to reduce the amount of produce and organic materials that go to the landfill. Our commitment to quality and freshness should have an impact on the shelf life in customers’ homes and reduce what they throw away, too.
With all of that in mind, we’re now making a new commitment to our customers. Here’s what we’re doing to ensure our produce stands up to the test:
- We’re offering a 100 percent money back guarantee so that anyone who’s not happy with our fresh fruits and vegetables can get a refund.
- We’ve added weekly produce checks in more than 3,400 Supercenters, Express stores and Neighborhood Markets nationwide.
- We’re launching Fresh Produce Schools and other expanded training to 70,000 associates so they can manage produce and serve our customers better.
- We’re working to get fresh produce directly to stores more quickly.
To improve quality and freshness, we’ve hired produce experts to work directly with farmers in the key growing regions where the company has produce-buying offices. Building long-term partnerships with farmers while having Walmart associates in the regions – and in the fields everyday – where produce is grown has made it possible for us to select farmers who grow the best fruits and vegetables. Through our produce offices, in combination with our advanced supply chain and efficient trucking network, we’ve decreased the days needed to get produce from growers to individual stores.
It all adds up to a better experience when you’re shopping our produce aisles and when you bring fresh fruits and vegetables home.
