Walmart freshens up its produce aisle

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is putting its money where its mouth is and not only making changes across produce sourcing, training and operations to offer customers fresher produce, but also rolling out a 100% money-back guarantee.

According to the company, customers who are not completely satisfied with its produce can bring back their receipt for a full refund, no questions asked and no need to bring back the produce.

"We're listening to our customers and delivering on our promise to offer great produce at the most affordable price," said Jack Sinclair, EVP of the food business for Walmart U.S. "We are so sure our customers will be pleased with the fruits and vegetables they buy in our stores, they can receive a full refund if they aren't completely happy."

Walmart plans to get produce from farms to store shelves faster by purchasing fruits and vegetables directly from growers and leveraging Walmart's produce experts, distribution centers and trucking systems. The company also intends on executing independent weekly checks at its more than 3,400 Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and Express Stores that sell produce. It also plans on launching fresh produce schools and other expanded training programs to 70,000 employees.

"Walmart has always been focused on providing its customers with top-quality fruits and vegetables, including our Cuties brand," said Berne H. Evans III, chairman of Sun Pacific, a Walmart produce supplier. "As a direct result of how Walmart has stored and handled our product, both Cuties and our Ripe and Easy Kiwis have been tremendous sales success stories at Walmart."

Walmart’s announcement follows a number of recent commitments by Walmart to make food healthier and healthier food more affordable. As part of its healthier foods commitment, Walmart has saved customers more than $2.3 billion throughout the last two years on fresh fruits and vegetables in produce sections across the country.