Walmart Canada - World-renown supply chain delivers fresh faster

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 15 /CNW/ - Today Walmart Canada announced it is refocusing its efforts on fresh produce, reminding budget-conscious Canadians that they don't have to compromise between saving money and buying fresh food--at Walmart they can do both.

"We know our customers are concerned about the quality of the fresh produce they feed their families. They want a shopping experience that consistently delivers the fresh selection they are looking for at the right price," says Les Mann, senior vice-president of food and consumables at Walmart Canada. "Walmart's famously efficient supply chain means that every day we can offer customers the freshest food at prices they can afford."

Walmart's fresh food supply chain in Ontario quickly moves food from our distribution centres to our stores. In fact, we ship fresh produce out to stores within 24 hours of it arriving in our DCs.

Sourcing local produce is a key focus of Walmart's fresh offering. "It's important to us to buy locally because it helps support the Ontario economy and it keeps our carbon foot-print low," says Sam Silvestro, Walmart Canada's director of produce. "In fact, for locally-grown produce like strawberries and apples, our goal is to offer customers 100% local choice in season."

Key features of Walmart Canada's fresh offering in Ontario include:

• A 24-hour supply chain that moves food from our distribution centres to our stores more efficienty than any other food retailer
• Minimal handling of produce to maintain quality of freshness
• Commitment to local sourcing, including a goal to purchase 30 percent of fresh produce assortment locally on an annual basis, and 100 percent when local produce is available
• Select organic offerings of fruit and vegetables
• Ever-growing selection of regional ethnic specialty produce

This renewed focus on fresh produce is the latest announcement in a series of commitments from Walmart Canada to offering healthier and more sustainable foods for Canadians. In October, Walmart Canada committed to purchase 30 percent of its produce assortment locally on an annual basis by December 31, 2013, and to purchase 100 percent of their assortment when local produce is available. Walmart Canada announced a sustainable seafood commitment in March 2010 where it will only sell certified sustainable fish by the end of 2013. It will also require sustainably-sourced palm oil in its private label products by the end of 2015.

About Walmart Canada

Walmart Canada operates 321 outlets nationwide serving more than one million Canadians each day. With 80,000 associates, the company is the nation's third-largest employer. Walmart Canada's corporate culture was ranked among the top ten in the country by Waterstone Human Capital.

For further information:

Journalists interested in more information, or in visiting a Walmart store, please contact:
Susan Schutta, Corporate Affairs, Walmart Canada. 905-821-2111, ext. 8012