Rutter’s Adds Locally Grown Produce

The regional chain expands its Fresh & Local initiative with local produce in its grab-and-go cases and fresh restaurant items.

August 08, 2018

YORK, Pa.— Rutter’s has expanded its Fresh & Local initiative by adding seasonal fruits and vegetables and fresh, restaurant menu offerings. “Rutter’s has an agricultural, dairy and food service history … in the Central Pennsylvania community, and with our fresh and local focus, we are supporting businesses throughout the Mid-Atlantic region while offering our customers healthy, economically sustainable products,” said Ryan Krebs, Rutter’s director of food service, in a press release. “Rutter’s operating footprint is one of the most agriculturally rich states in the country, so it’s rewarding to fulfill my commitment to offering restaurant-quality, fresh food in our convenience stores by partnering with local farmers and food producers.”

The regional chain now offers customers a fresh assortment of watermelon, blueberries, heirloom cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, and yellow and green squash in the grab-and-go case located in the center of the store. The watermelon, blueberries and tomatoes are sold in ready-to-eat packaging, while the sweet corn and squash are fresh-packed whole. At the food service kiosks, customers also can choose local mushrooms, green peppers and onions to add to their favorite items.

New Fresh & Local ingredients used in Rutter’s onsite restaurants currently include sliced and chopped sweet onions, sliced green peppers and mushrooms, all grown in Pennsylvania. As the growing seasons change, so will Rutter’s fresh selection of ingredients. Family farms throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia are providing the produce.

Rutter’s began its Fresh & Local initiative several years ago, and recently hired a sourcing expert dedicated to expanding its local sourcing partners, defining local as a product or manufacturer located in the state of Pennsylvania or within 100 miles of the corporate office in York. The company now works with more than 55 local brands.

For more resources on providing local produce and other products, including several examples of how retailers are successfully expanding their fresh and local offers, check out the “Be Local” page of the NACS Community Toolkit.


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