Wal-Mart launches fresh produce initiative

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart is launching an initiative to increase the amount of fresh produce on its shelves. The effort includes buying produce directly from growers for immediate shipment to stores, performing independent weekly fresh produce checks at stores and providing fresh produce training for associates.



Wal-Mart has hired produce experts to work directly with farmers in the key growing regions where the company has produce-buying offices and is also offering a 100% money-back guarantee if produce is not fresh. The company previously promised to double its sales of locally grown produce by December 2015.



"Empowering our associates with the tools to guarantee our produce quality is a critical component to our 100% money-back guarantee," Jack Sinclair, executive vice president of the food business for Walmart U.S. "These efforts, combined with the weekly produce checks and operational changes, will ensure our customers bring home the freshest fruits and vegetables."