Walmart to celebrate locally grown produce suppliers in Michigan

In celebration of International Eat an Apple Day on Saturday, September 20, local Walmart BB #:143789 leaders will join the owners of Riveridge Produce Marketing BB #:137502 for an exclusive tour of their farm, packing facility, and cider factory.

This special event will showcase Walmart’s ongoing commitment to supporting locally grown produce and the innovative entrepreneurs who bring it to our communities. The event will bring together local growers, business stakeholders and policymakers to celebrate the positive impact of locally sourced food on communities across Michigan.

Riveridge is a vertically integrated apple grower, packer and marketer headquartered in Sparta, Michigan. This ideal growing location, thanks in part to the Lake Michigan climate providing rich soil, consistent rainfall, sunny summer days and cool fall nights, makes flavorful apples.

The Riveridge label represents apples from nearly 200 family orchards, some in their 6th and 7th generations, providing for nearly 60 percent of Michigan’s fresh apple crop. Additionally, fresh-pressed cider can be found under the same label year-round.

When/Where:
Friday, September 19, 2025

8:00 a.m. – Packing Facility Tour
Riveridge Packing
7777 Venture Ave
Sparta, MI 49345

9:15 a.m. – Harvest Tour
Riveridge Produce
12345 Ferris Ave
Grant, MI 49347

10:00 a.m. – Cider Plant Tour
Riveridge Cider
14046 Mason Dr.
Grant, MI 49327

Who:
• Kari Soldaat, President, Riveridge Produce Marketing
• Local/Market Walmart Leaders
• Local Growers and Business Stakeholders
• Policymakers

Background:
• Two-thirds of Walmart’s total product spend is on items made, grown or assembled in the U.S.
• Walmart is the largest seller of fruits and vegetables in the U.S.
• In FY25, Walmart sourced $1.5 billion in locally grown produce (produce grown and sold within the same state).
• As part of Walmart’s mission to provide Every Day Low Prices on fresh produce, Walmart saved customers $1.6 billion in fresh fruits and vegetables in FY25.
• Walmart’s fresh produce is available in store, for pick up and for delivery to 93% of the U.S. population.
• Quality is the biggest driver when selecting produce, which is why Walmart sources produce as close to customers as possible, without sacrificing quality.
• Sam Walton’s legacy of supporting American-made products continues through Walmart’s ongoing initiatives.

Walmart in Michigan
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online and through their mobile devices. In Michigan, we serve customers at 117 retail units and online through Walmart.com. We are proud to employ 35,257 associates in Michigan. Walmart supports local businesses, spending $4 billion with Michigan suppliers in fiscal year 2025 and supporting 32,810 Michigan supplier jobs. Walmart continues to be a leader in employment opportunity, sustainability, and corporate philanthropy. In fiscal year 2024, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation contributed more than $29.4 million in cash and in-kind donations to local nonprofits in Michigan. Learn more at corporate.walmart.com.