Walmart Indiaannounces `Women Owned' logo for certified women-owned businesses

Chandigarh, October 15, 2015:Today, Walmart India and WEConnect International, a non-profit organization, announced the launch of the 'Women-owned' logo to identify products made by women-owned businesses. The logo was unveiledat the third annual`Think Big 2015: Women in Business Forum,' where more than 250 participants, including women entrepreneurs, corporate buyers, industry mentors, investors, and media came together to support the advancement of women in business.,

Walmart supported WEConnect International and WBENC in the creation of a Women Owned logo that can be used by businesses certified by WEConnect or WBENC to clearly identify products and services offered by women owned businesses. All women-owned businesses that are WBENC- and/or WEConnect-certified are eligible to display the logo on their product packaging.To use the logo, a business must be WBENC and/or WEConnect International certified, which means at least 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by a woman or group of women.

Unveiling the logo in India, Krish Iyer, President & CEO, Walmart India said,"We are very proud of this initiative to help bring recognition to products made by women-owned businesses.Sourcing from women-owned businessescontributesto our reputation for great assortment and quality local products, and we are always looking for opportunities to increase our sourcing from women-owned businesses."

Walmart has an ongoing commitment to empowering women around the world and helping women-owned businesses succeed and grow. In September 2011, Walmart launched its Global Women's Economic Empowerment initiative, using its unique size and scale to improve the lives of underserved women and help women-owned businesses succeed and grow. As part of the initiative, Walmart committed to source $20 billion from women for its US business and double sourcing from women internationally.

Elizabeth A. Vazquez, CEO and Co-Founder of WEConnect International, said, ``This is indeed a milestone and we are proud of the partnership with Walmart to provide opportunities to women-owned businesses to succeed."

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About Walmart India:

Wal-Mart India Private Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart Stores Inc., the world's leading retailer renowned for its efficiency and expertise in logistics, supply chain management and sourcing. Walmart India owns and operates 21 Best Price Modern Wholesale stores in 9 States across India. The company plans to open 50 more stores by 2020. Walmart India launched its B2B e-commerce platform in July 2014 and has extended it to all 21 stores. The Best Price stores offer best prices with unmatched convenience, choice, quality and hygiene. The mission of Best Price is ``Enabling businesses to prosper...every single member". To enter and purchase from Best Price stores, it is mandatory to become a member. Members can belong to different business categories such as Resellers ('Kirana Stores'); Offices and Institutions (O&I); and Hotels, Restaurants and Caterers (HoReCa). The assortment, service and store layout are customized to the specific needs of members who can walk into a Best Price store and source high quality products in quantities they need and at the time they require.

About WEConnect International:

WEConnect International (www.weconnectinternational.org) helps women-owned businesses succeed in global value chains. It identifies, educates, registers, and certifies women's business enterprises based outside of the U.S. that are at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by one or more women, and then connects them with qualified buyers.

Originally Source : Perfect Relations