Walmart, IFCO Expand Reusable Plastic Container Partnership

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and IFCO Systems have signed a deal under which IFCO will provide Walmart US with a new generation of wood-grain reusable plastic containers (RPCs) for both wet and dry produce. According to IFCO, the new RPCs "will provide superior merchandising opportunities for Walmart with [their] natural wood-grain look, combined with exceptional features such as supply chain efficiency, excellent stability and cooling functionality, and [will deliver] superior-quality produce."

"This agreement expands IFCO's long and successful partnership with Walmart that began in 2000," said Daniel Walsh, president of IFCO North America, in Tampa, Fla. "IFCO is committed to deploying our logistics expertise, production capacity, and global infrastructure in service to our retail partners."

"IFCO is one of Walmart's most important partners and is a natural fit to help us meet our ambitious fresh produce goals in 2015 and beyond," added Dorn Wenninger, VP of produce for Bentonville, Ark.-based Walmart US. "No other RPC company can match IFCO’s scale and experience."

"Because of its market-leader status and operating depth, IFCO is best positioned to supply Walmart and other retailers with the quantity and quality of RPCs they need for 2016 and beyond," asserted Walsh. "No other supplier can match IFCO's scope, nor its manufacturing and wash capacity."

Under the agreement, the RPCs will initially be used to pack and ship dry produce, including apples, potatoes, onions and citrus items.