If you’ve ever bitten into a crisp, juicy apple from Walmart Canada, there’s a good chance it came from Martin’s Family Fruit Farm, a family-owned business from Waterloo, Ontario with roots that stretch back generations.
For the Martins, apples weren’t always the plan.
“I’m the sixth generation on this farm,” said Kevin Martin, President and CEO, Martin’s. “Back in the day, we raised hogs. But in 1971, an exchange student suggested we plant apple trees. Instead of 20, my father planted 100 and that decision changed everything.
That leap of faith marked the beginning of a thriving orchard. Today, Martin’s spans nearly 1,000 acres and grows many of the apple varieties Canadians know and love, including Gala, Honeycrisp and Ambrosia, alongside heritage favourites and exciting new selections that keep the orchard evolving.
“Having a wide range of apples isn’t just about offering more choice,” Kevin explains. “It’s also about timing. Different varieties ripen at different times, which means consumers can enjoy a wide range of flavours and experiences throughout the season.”
Walmart Canada started working with Martin’s more than a decade ago, offering select varieties of their locally grown apples. This relationship, rooted in trust, open communication and shared values, from quality and innovation to sustainability, has helped the business continue to grow and reach more customers.
Today, Martin’s assortment at Walmart Canada has expanded to packaged dried apple chips and apple sauce pouches alongside their apples all made or grown here in Canada. “Our work with Martin’s reflects our commitment to helping Canadian suppliers grow,” said Erin Riordon, Produce Merchant at Walmart Canada. “By supporting the expansion of their apple snack products in our stores, we’re helping grow their business while offering customers great-tasting options at everyday low prices.”
A Commitment to Quality and Innovation
At Martin’s Family Fruit Farm, quality is a top priority. Each apple is carefully graded, packed, and handled to ensure it arrives fresh and flavourful as customers expect.
The same care extends to how the farm approaches sustainability.
“We’ve always been willing to take chances,” says Anthony Martin, Senior Business Development Manager at Martin’s. Apples that don’t make the cut for store shelves are transformed into apple chips and applesauces ensuring nothing goes to waste. It’s a unique cross‑category partnership that connects the orchard to both fresh produce and shelf‑stable aisles.
“Developing apple chips and new applesauce varieties allows us to grow our business in a sustainable way while giving Canadians more ways to enjoy apples,” adds Anthony.
Walmart Canada is proud to support thousands of local suppliers nationwide and is always looking to work with businesses that share its passion for and commitment to freshness, quality and sustainability.
As Riordon puts it, “Give us a call. We’d love to work with you.”
