Anabella de Freeman, senior manager of sustainability strategic initiatives in produce for Walmart, will speak Nov. 10 at the West Coast Produce Expo about the chain's recent commitment to regenerative business and what it means for suppliers.
Walmart is targeting zero emissions across the company's global operations by 2040, and Walmart and its foundation are also committing to help protect, manage or restore at least 50 million acres of land and one million square miles of ocean by 2030.
De Freeman leads Walmart's sustainable programs for fresh produce with a focus on reducing environmental impacts, decreasing costs throughout the supply chain, and driving responsible labor practices, according to the company.
De Freeman also supports the company's efforts to monitor and advance sustainable procurement of products, working across multiple business units within Walmart as well as with other companies, non-governmental entities and industry organizations.
De Freeman has been with Walmart for 20 years, starting with the company's Central America business. During her time with the company she has held roles in public relations and corporate affairs, and she has supported multiple responsible sourcing initiatives.
The West Coast Produce Expo session featuring de Freeman is set to debut at 10:30 a.m. PST on Nov. 10. Registration for this year's event is free and available here.
For more about Walmart's sustainability efforts, check out the following articles:
Walmart sets goal for zero emissions by 2040 — “We want to play an important role in transforming the world's supply chains to be regenerative,” Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart, said in a news release.
Industry must work together to reduce plastic — Anabella de Freeman, Walmart's senior manager of sustainable produce was the panel moderator, and said packaged produce now accounts for 53% of produce department sales.
Walmart talks packaging, plastics on GOPEX panel — Walmart has been working with individual suppliers to reduce plastic in produce departments as consumer interest in sustainability increases.