*By Amanda Weston* The CEO of the Silicon Valley company suing Walmart for $2 billion for allegedly stealing its fresh-food technology said he's standing up for his team's creation and his investors. Zest Labs chief Peter Mehring said the retail behemoth's Eden system is eerily similar to his firm's Zest Fresh technology. "We have to stand up for the intellectual property we've created and the value that our investors invested in and our customers paid for," Mehring said in an interview Friday with Cheddar. Zest Labs announced its lawsuit Wednesday after years of working with Walmart on a way to monitor fresh produce and optimize shipping to avoid waste. The companies began collaborating in 2015, but Walmart [reportedly lost interest](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-walmart-zestlabs-lawsuit/lawsuit-claims-walmart-stole-technology-to-keep-produce-fresh-idUSKBN1KM6D7) last November. In March 2018, [Walmart said](https://blog.walmart.com/innovation/20180301/eden-the-tech-thats-bringing-fresher-groceries-to-you) its own associates created the original Eden system in just six months. The system serves as a "digital library of food standards," and created a "freshness algorithm that prioritizes the flow of perishable goods worldwide." Zest Labs and its parent company, Ecoark Holdings, Inc., accuse Walmart of violating trade secret laws, breach of contract, and fraud. "We taught them a lot during the three years that we worked with them, and a lot of the approach is new," said Mehring. "We take a proactive approach to avoiding food waste in the supply chain that's really a breakthrough for the industry, and no one else has come through with this, and then to see someone suddenly announce that they're doing something similar, after having worked with us for three years is what concerned us, and what really led to this claim that we filed." Randy Hargrove, a Walmart spokesman, told [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-walmart-zestlabs-lawsuit/lawsuit-claims-walmart-stole-technology-to-keep-produce-fresh-idUSKBN1KM6D7), “we respect the intellectual property rights of others" and said the company will respond to the allegations in the lawsuit in court. Mehring said he has not heard from Walmart. "We want to kind of move the industry," said Mehring. "Whatever moves that forward the fastest is really our goal. If settlement requires that, that's an open opportunity." For more on this story, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/fresh-food-company-sues-walmart).

Share:
More In Culture
Streaming Wars Between Disney+ and Netflix Heat Up With Summer Kickoff
The holiday weekend saw Disney+ and Netflix competing head-to-head for streaming views as the Disney behemoth kicked off the unofficial start to summer with its release of "Obi-Wan Kenobi" and Netflix responded with the first part of "Stranger Things" Season 4. The streaming giants caught the eye of Wall Street, and Seth Schachner, the managing director at consultancy Strat Americas, joined Cheddar News to break down the heavy hitters. "This is a very tough, competitive game, and I don't see it getting any easier," he said. "I think you'll probably see more consolidation."
Cyborg Mobile President on Disrupting the Lack of Diversity in Tech
The founder and president of Cyborg Mobile Kobie Hatcher has been on a strong trajectory to disrupt his industry with a program called The New Technologists. It's not only meant to address the diversity gap within large tech companies but also help pave the way to transform the lives of young BIPOC students. He joined Cheddar News to talk about how he's working to make a difference with the lack of diversity in tech. “There's truly no lack of talent out there. It's just identifying them and letting them know that, hey, I've been in the tech sector for over 20 years. I see you. I know what you can bring, bring it, we need it," Hatcher said.
Constituent Service Platform Indigov Raises $25 Million
Constituent service platform Indigov recently raised $25 million in a Series B funding round. Indigov bills itself as a constituent relationship management tool that helps elected officials improve the way they organize, respond to, and engage those they serve. The startup's services are being used by federal, state, and local governments across the country, including the U.S. House of Representatives. Alex Kouts, founder & CEO of Indigov, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Making Winning Investments During the NBA Playoffs
The 2022 NBA playoffs are intensifying as four teams vie for an NBA finals berth. Tonight, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors can book their finals ticket with a win over the Dallas Mavericks, while Miami will be feeling the 'heat' tomorrow night, facing elimination against the Boston Celtics. And with the growing popularity of sports betting, the NBA playoffs offers a potential money-making opportunity for fans. Trysta Krick, host of BetMGM Tonight, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
AAA Predicts Pre-Pandemic Levels of Travel This Memorial Day Weekend
As the holiday weekend arrives, travelers are bracing themselves for higher gas prices amid the inflation surge, but Robert Sinclair, AAA spokesperson, joined Cheddar News to discuss how the higher costs likely won't hold people back this Memorial Day Weekend. “We're near pre-pandemic levels. Nearly 40 million people are traveling. And of that total, about 35 million will be driving to their destinations," he said.
Load More