Press Releases
Wal-Mart Salutes Frontera Produce
BENTONVILLE -- January 30, 2007
BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Jan. 26, 2007 – Wal-Mart Stores announced today that Texas-based Frontera Produce LTD will be showcased during the months of January and February in conjunction with the company’s Salute to America’s Farmers program. Salute to America’s Farmers, launched in September, is a year-long campaign to spotlight Wal-Mart’s commitment to purchase from local growers for distribution to stores in their areas in support of locally grown agricultural products. Throughout the next several weeks, Frontera Produce LTD will team with Wal-Mart Stores to provide homegrown cabbage to numerous Wal-Mart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets in the region and provide visibility to the company’s commitment to Texas agriculture and growers around the country.
“Wal-Mart buys more United States agricultural products than any other retailer in the world and we’re proud to introduce Salute to America’s Farmers as a tribute to our country’s growers, underscoring our company-wide commitment to farmers across the United States,” said Bruce Peterson, Wal-Mart Stores senior vice president, perishable food division. “We understand that consumers want to purchase quality products that help support the local economy and we’re proud of our ability to bring wholesome, home-grown selections to our customers in Texas. This commitment not only allows us to offer fresh, quality selections but also generate savings on distribution costs that we can pass on to our customers.”
While Frontera Produce LTD, based in Edinburg, TX, is a global supplier of fresh fruit and vegetables, the company remains committed to serving fellow Texans with only the best Texas-grown cabbage. Established in 1992, Frontera Produce LTD began as a regional shipper, forging a partnership with Wal-Mart very early on. To celebrate the retailer’s Salute to America’s Farmers program, Frontera’s cabbage will be showcased in bins, and in-store signage will emphasize their participation in supplying homegrown produce to Texas. In addition to cabbage, Frontera grows an extensive line of fresh products including melons, tropicals, Chile peppers, onions, carrots, cilantro, and ethnic items.
“Wal-Mart recognizes the importance of providing locally grown produce to their customers,” said Jarrod Snider, national account manager of Frontera Produce LTD. “We’re thrilled that through our relationship with them, we’ve been able to bring Texas-grown cabbage to homes throughout Texas and surrounding areas.”
Wal-Mart launched the Salute to America’s Farmer program in September and each month will showcase one local grower from selected states. Local farmers and growers in all 50 states will be spotlighted throughout the upcoming year. During each state’s showcased month, consumers can identify local produce via corresponding signage in local Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets. In addition to Texas, Wal-Mart supplier Parker Farms in Maryland is being saluted in its respective regions during the upcoming weeks.
“We take great pride in our local farmers and salute Wal-Mart’s efforts to showcase Texas growers,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. “The hard work of producers such as Frontera Produce is the reason Texas remains a leading agricultural state. And we know Wal-Mart’s customers will appreciate the flavor and freshness of Texas-grown produce.”
Wal-Mart’s relationships with U.S. suppliers extend beyond its support of local agriculture. In 2005, Wal-Mart spent $200 billion on merchandise through its relationship with 61,000 U.S. suppliers. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc spent $17,552,612,675 for merchandise and services with 5,272 suppliers in the state of Texas in FYE 2006. As a result of these supplier relationships, Wal-Mart supports 224,977 supplier jobs in Texas.
As of December 2006, Wal-Mart’s presence in Texas includes 273 Supercenters, 51 Discount Stores and 70 SAM’S Clubs. It also has 15 Distribution Centers for a total of 148,540 associates.
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, more than 127 million customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $245 million to local United States communities. To learn more, visit www.walmartfacts.com, www.walmart.com, or www.walmartfoundation.org.
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*supplier figures provided by Dun & Bradstreet
