Idaho Falls Post Register (Idaho)

September 11, 2009 Friday
Main Edition

A SECTION; Pg. A1

406 words

Wal-Mart helps spur growth of area businesses

By JOELYN HANSEN,

Liberty Tomato Co.'s distinguishable gold bell label is likely a familiar sight to local Wal-Mart customers purchasing fresh herbs.

For almost 10 years, the national chain has sold herbs grown by the Pingree-based business at Wal-Marts in Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and western Montana. Liberty owner Karen Reed said the partnership has been essential to the survival of her company, which opened in 1987.

""We wouldn't be in business if we didn't have the partnership with Wal-Mart,"" she said. ""They are our biggest customer.""

According to Mark Marvin, market manager of the Wal-Mart in Idaho Falls, Wal-Mart has partnered with several Idaho growers and producers over the years.

These local suppliers will be highlighted during September at 16 Idaho Wal-Marts, including the Idaho Falls store, to promote the company's commitment to purchase from regional vendors.

Wal-Mart purchased $269 million in products from 316 suppliers located throughout Idaho in 2009, Marvin said.

This month's campaign also promotes the Idaho Preferred program.

The program, operated by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, identifies and promotes Idaho-grown food and agricultural products such as produce, meats, breads, wines and dairy products, chief of staff Pamela Juker said.

""You name it, we grow it here in Idaho,"" Juker said.

Wada Farms, also based in Pingree, is among those growers supplying Wal-Mart, owner Chris Wada said.

The family-owned business, which was started by Wada's grandfather Frank in 1943, was among the first Idaho growers to partner with Wal-Mart 16 years ago, he said.

Wal-Mart purchases about 12 percent of Wada's fresh potato crop for its regional stores, said Tom Barnes, Wada's Wal-Mart account manager. Specialty products made by Wada are also for sale in all of Wal-Mart's stores.

""We've been able to grow (corporate stability) and know we have a strong partner that we can ship to,"" Barnes said.

Farr's Candy Co. ice cream and candy products are also sold at Wal-Marts in Idaho and Utah, owner Kevin Call said.

""They've been good to us giving space in their stores,"" he said.

Farr's, located at 345 D St. in Idaho Falls, has been a Wal-Mart supplier for the past five or six years and recently secured a contract for Sam's Club stores in Idaho and Utah to sell Farr's products, Call said.

Cops and courts reporter Joelyn Hansen can be reached at 542-6751. Comment on this story on Post Talk at www.postregi ster.com/posttalk.

September 11, 2009