(Photo courtesy Rutter's)
Convenience store chain Rutter’s has added local fruits and vegetables to its retail and foodservice offerings.
The company, which operates 70 stores, defines local as produced in the state of Pennsylvania or within 100 miles of Rutter’s headquarters in York, Pa.
Rutter’s hired a sourcing expert recently to expand its supplier network and build out its Fresh & Local initiative, according to a news release.
The grab-and-go cases at stores now includes watermelon, blueberries, cherry tomatoes, sweet corn and squash. The watermelon, blueberries and tomatoes come in ready-in-eat packaging, while the sweet corn and squash are packed whole to be used as part of a meal cooked at home.
Rutter’s restaurants are currently using Pennsylvania-grown sweet onions, green peppers and mushrooms. The selection will change as the season does.
“Rutter’s has an agricultural, dairy and foodservice history spanning several hundred years 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,” director of foodservice Ryan Krebs said in the 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 United Fresh Produce Association recognized Krebs earlier this year as one of the winners in its Excellence in Foodservice Awards program. He received the award in the quick-service restaurant category.