YORK, Pa. -- Convenience retailer Rutter’s will use only cage-free eggs in its foodservice program starting in July.
After implementation, the c-store chain expects 96% of its total egg business to be cage-free or laid by hens able to roam vertically and horizontally in indoor houses and have access to fresh food and water, the company said.
“Since the beginning of the year, we have been putting a focus on fresh and local products and ingredients used in our foodservice items,” said Ryan Krebs, director of foodservice for the chain. “By choosing to go cage-free, we are appealing to the new demand for better eggs. This also aligns with our goal to provide our customers with restaurant-quality food.”
Earlier this year, Rutter’s commitment to fresh and local led the chain to create the new role of a fresh and local category manager. The retailer recently expanded its homegrown foodservice offerings, adding locally sourced pork belly as a sandwich or topping ingredient.
With roots dating back to 1747, Rutter’s is the oldest family-owned food company in the United States, according to the company. With nearly 70 c-stores, York. Pa.-based Rutter’s (formerly Rutter’s Farm Stores) ranked No. 92 in CSP’s 2017 Top 202 list of the largest c-store chains in the United States.
Photo courtesy of 16:9clue.
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