snowdeal.org - conflux: Wal-Mart is on the Green Path?

conflux

Wal-Mart is on the Green Path?

as someone who works for a company, organic valley, which has had an on again, off again relationship with walmart ( the relationship soured when walmart wanted OV to sell product at a price that would meant too little compensation for the farmers. ), it's of some interest that the head of seventh generation has changed his critical stance on the company's sustainability and organic initiatives and is now somewhat surprised to find himself cautiously supporting the retail behemoth:

"A year ago, I entertained audiences by encouraging fellow cynics to join the fight against the best and biggest example of bad business, the world's largest and most successful corporation, one that had figured out (and brilliantly so if I may say) how to escape responsibility for its devastating impact on people, communities, small businesses and the environment.

I am no longer leading that cheer."

"I am exhilarated. I am watching the Jolly Green Giant bend down and pick daisies rather than run blindly across the field crushing all in its path. I am hopeful, glad to have come, and ready to provide any and all with advice."

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9:47 PM 2 comments

2 Comments:

It's a common myth that OV stopped supplying product to Wal-Mart for pricing or 'Mission' reasons. Actually, OV discontinued the relationship with Wal-Mart because product of product shortages. At the time, Wal-Mart was a profitable customer but other long time customers were getting the short end of the stick on deliveries. OV decided they'd rather supply those 'that brought them to the dance' and told Wal-Mart they woulnd't be able to meet their order needs.

By Anonymous, at 4:30 AM

thanks for the comment and clarifying my simplified version of history. my understanding, and i wasn't at OV at the time and don't speak officially for OV, is that endemic shorting required that we pick and choose customers to supply and in that context issues of pricing pressure and the adherence to the mission were used to prioritize customers. certainly customers 'that brought them to the dance' were higher on the supply list than those with a history of relentlessly driving prices down below what would support the family farmers that collectively own the OV brand. you are absolutely correct that wal-mart walked away and found another supplier when OV told them that they couldn't guarantee supply.

By e3, at 10:53 PM

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Wal-Mart is on the Green Path?

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