Walmart partners with Agritask to enhance seasonal fruit crop sourcing through innovative technology

Walmart (NYSE: WMT), the global leader in omnichannel retailing, has recently initiated a pilot program with Agritask, a prominent crop supply intelligence company. This collaboration, part of Walmart Global Tech’s Sparkubate program, aims to revolutionize the way sourcing managers predict and manage seasonal fruit crops like cherries and blackberries, enhancing decision-making processes to secure supply, reduce food waste, and ensure fresh produce availability.

The pilot utilizes Agritask’s advanced remote sensing and data analytics tools across various regions in the U.S. and Mexico. These tools provide real-time, hyperlocal insights into the growth and conditions of select crops from Walmart suppliers. With an emphasis on crops sensitive to environmental changes, such as temperature fluctuations and moisture levels, the technology enables immediate adjustments in procurement strategies and inventory management in response to potential risks like unexpected frost or shifts in harvest timings.

Key insights from the pilot include:

– Immediate alerts on emerging risks affecting crop quality and yield, facilitating rapid response to protect supply.

– Real-time assessments of harvest timings, helping Walmart proactively manage inventory and consider alternative sourcing options.

– Continuous updates on yield targets throughout the growing season, empowering enhanced logistical planning to meet consumer demand.

Kyle Carlyle, Vice President of Sourcing Innovation and Surety of Supply at Walmart, highlighted the challenges sourcing managers face due to data discrepancies and environmental uncertainties. “Agritask’s technology fills crucial information gaps, allowing for more accurate predictions and planning,” Carlyle stated.

Ofir Ardon, CEO of Agritask, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Walmart’s global scale and dedication to sustainable supply chains make them an ideal partner for implementing our Yield Intelligence solutions. This collaboration is poised to redefine how enterprises and suppliers work together, using data-driven innovations to create scalable, climate-smart, and risk-ready sourcing strategies.”

This pilot represents Walmart’s latest effort in its ongoing commitment to leveraging technology for building a sustainable and resilient supply chain. With a history of engaging in impactful tech collaborations—like the unspun’s 3D weaving tech pilot and Rubi Laboratory’s carbon capture initiative—Walmart continues to pioneer in integrating cutting-edge technologies to streamline and improve its extensive global supply chain operations.

The strategic partnership between Walmart and Agritask could set a new benchmark for the retail industry, particularly in how large chains manage the complexities of agricultural sourcing. By integrating real-time data and predictive analytics into their supply chain, Walmart is not only aiming to enhance operational efficiencies but also to promote sustainability and reduce waste in its logistics networks.