Obviously, by virtue of their description below, Wegmans is not your average supermarket chain. They have a discernible commitment to local and organic food and went out of their way to procure the milk for their private-label brand from a cooperative of family farmers. They write:
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a 71-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Maryland. The family-owned company, founded in 1916, has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for 11 consecutive years. In 2008, Wegmans ranked #3 on the list, #2 in 2006 and #1 in 2005.
Fitness magazine in an upcoming issue has included Danny Wegman, CEO, among the Fit 50 List of leaders, recognizing the company
“for making health and healthy eating a priority at Wegmans: specifically for the fact that Wegmans stopped selling cigarettes this year, for the supermarket’s leading role in the field in terms of eco-friendly practices and sustainability, and for the emphasis on nutrition that is clearly part of the company’s mission.”
Produce departments contain large selections of organic products, and there are growing numbers of organics in dairy, grocery etc, Recognizing that the gateway for many consumers to organic is through beverage and food, Wegmans began offering organic milk in 2006 under its own label, supplied solely by long time milk supplier partner, Upstate Farms, a cooperative.In 2007, the company began a certified Organic Research Farm to learn first hand what it takes when a grower is asked to transition to growing organic. It is small, only about 10 acres under cultivation, and just completing the second season.
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