Diamond Foods in exclusive deal with Wal-Mart

STOCKTON,, Calif. Diamond Foods announced today that it has opened a sales office in Bentonville, Ark. to provide service exclusively to Wal-Mart Inc. Jeff Bladdick, vp of sales for Wal-Mart/Sam's Club, will lead the sales team in Bentonville.

"Jeff and his sales team are permanently located in Arkansas because we strongly believe that there are exciting opportunities to grow our business with Wal-Mart and Sam's Club, Diamond's largest retail customer, and that a hands-on approach will yield the best results," said Michael Mendes, president and ceo of Diamond Foods.