Inserra Grows Partnerships With Local Farmers
Inserra Supermarkets is expanding its partnerships with New Jersey farmers, bringing locally sourced produce to all 22 of its ShopRite stores in New Jersey and New York.
“On an ever-increasing basis, our customers are seeking locally sourced produce that has been conventionally or organically farmed,” noted Eric Beelitz, director of produce for Mahwah, N.J.-based Inserra Supermarkets. “We are proud to offer our customers the best of the best from local growers while supporting the hard-working farming community.”
To further that mission, the company recently hosted a Farmer Appreciation Event at the Capital Grille, in Paramus, N.J. Among the attendees were the owners of Abma’s Farm, in Wyckoff; Guarino Sons Produce, a wholesale produce distributor in West Deptford; Zone 7, an organic produce and herb distributor in Ringoes; Winslow Junction Farm, in Winslow; Scordo Farm, in Hammonton; Cassaday Farms, in Monroeville; Circle M Farms, in Salem; and Pastore Orchards, in Hammonton.
“We have the utmost respect for the local farming community,” said Lindsey Inserra, VP of marketing and corporate retail health and wellness of the family-owned chain. “Many of the farms and produce distributors have been in families for generations just like our company. Because of that, they understand the commitment to quality, service and value that is inherent in our ‘from our family to yours’ foundation, and mirror it.”
In particular, Inserra Supermarkets has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Abma’s Farm, Bergen County’s only produce and poultry farm. This year, the grocer will increase offerings from Abma’s, including sweet corn, to all of its stores.
“Last summer, Abma’s Farm would pick the corn at 4 a.m. and deliver it to our stores the same morning,” said Beelitz. “The corn would often be on our customers’ dinner tables in the evening. That is farm to table at its finest. Our customers could taste the freshness and couldn’t get enough of it.”
He added: “We are in constant communication with Abma’s Farm, as well as all of our local growers and distributors, in order to better understand the current harvest season and best serve our customers.”
Further, Inserra Supermarkets’ in-store dietitians regularly host Produce Pick events featuring locally sourced items and health tips on incorporating more fruits and vegetables into one’s diet. The company currently has registered dietitians at 14 of its stores, with plans to expand the program.