Despite how high-tech the retailer supply chains have become, they are still beholden to the natural degradation of fresh produce, which can lead to shrinking inventory and food wastage. Walmart’s recent partnership with India-based “agritech” startup GreenPod Labs endeavors to extend the lifespan of produce in transit.
Kyle Carlyle, VP of sourcing and surety of supply at Walmart, explained the partnership’s potential in a recent blog post.
“Every innovation that lands something greener, fresher, or better on our shelves is a step in the right direction,” he wrote.
The tech company produces small sachets filled with plant extracts which may help slow the rate of microbe growth, thereby slowing the ripening process. To test the innovation, it is partnering with the University of California Davis to evaluate its efficacy across a range of weather conditions. Additionally, a pilot project will apply the technology to mangoes in Peru shipped to the U.S.
“Working with a global player like Walmart revalidates the importance of our work in reducing fruits and vegetables post-harvest losses and quality degradation,” said Deepak Rajmohan, the CEO of GreenPod Labs, in a statement.
GreenPod and Walmart first met at the Walmart India Growth Summit in 2024, an effect that connects supply chain leaders to facilitate tech innovation. Carlyle explained that technology plays a central role in building supply chain resilience. These measures can strengthen a nation’s food supply, shielding it from events such as inclement weather conditions, climate change, crop disease, and sociopolitical conflict.
The hypermarket chain continues to invest in its supply chain to motivate sustainable growth. Recently, it revealed a $4.51 billion (USD) initiative to expand the company’s operations to improve online and in-person shopping across Canada.
Additionally, on Feb.18, AI supply chain firm Helios won Walmart’s Annual Open Call event, highlighting the retailer’s interest in AI-assisted supply chain solutions. The company leverages climate risk data to predict the price and availability of agricultural commodities.
“Walmart is leading the way when it comes to leveraging artificial intelligence to strengthen its supply chain,” said Francisco Martin-Rayo, co-founder and CEO of Helios, in a statement.
In The Food Institute’s recent report on supply chain management, the issue of food system sustainability took center stage. The report found that a surprising 13% of the world’s food supply is lost in the supply chain between harvest and retail. Innovations like GreenPod Lab’s transportation technology help to minimize this food loss, creating an economic and environmental value proposition.
To learn more about how tomorrow’s supply chain innovations are making an impact today through an emphasis on sustainability and new technologies, become an FI member to access the supply chain report.
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