‘Local Fresh 24/7’ Returns To Kings Food Markets

Parsippany, N.J. – On Friday, May 24, Kings Food Markets (Kings) will continue to build on its tradition of bringing customers the freshest, highest-quality ingredients by launching its Local Fresh 24/7 program for the second year. The program, which premiered last May, allows Kings customers to experience the benefits of a local farm stand in the convenience of their neighborhood food market by delivering locally grown, farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs to its aisles within 24 hours of being hand-picked.

“At Kings Food Markets, we are continually looking for ways in which we can bring our customers the very best selection of products and ingredients,” said Judy Spires, President and CEO of Kings Food Markets. “Our Local Fresh 24/7 program is unique because it provides our shoppers with the highest-quality, freshest produce in their communities, while also supporting local and regional farmers. It is a testament to how we share our love of food with our customers.”

Through Local Fresh 24/7, Kings works with a network of small and mid-sized, regional farmers to deliver all featured products fresh from the farm to its stores within 24 hours. Local farmers supplying the program pick only the freshest, most seasonal products in the morning, and through an expedited distribution process, they are delivered to Kings’ stores and prepared for sale the next day. The program was exclusively launched by Kings and was developed in partnership with Massachusetts-based Red Tomato, a non-profit organization committed to better connecting farmers and consumers.

“Getting Local Fresh produce to our stores within 24 hours is remarkable. There is no other place you can get Local Fresh 24/7 produce,” said Paul Kneeland, Vice President of Produce, Meat, Seafood and Floral for Kings Food Markets. “The fruits, vegetables and herbs are picked only the day before you’re buying them in our stores. From the dedicated growers, to the distribution teams and Red Tomato staff, to the commitment of the entire Kings organization, Local Fresh 24/7 is truly a team effort.”

The items available at each store will vary daily, although customers can expect to find such summer staples as heirloom tomatoes, squash, cilantro, lettuce, parsley, mint, radishes, spinach and more, through the program. For the latest updates on which products are available through Local Fresh 24/7 or for weekly recipes incorporating the fresh ingredients, customers can visit Kings’ website (www.kingsfoodmarkets.com), follow Kings on Twitter (@KingsFoodMkts) or like Kings on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kingsfoodmarkets).

“We are proud to bring Local Fresh 24/7 back for our shoppers this summer,” added Spires. “Providing access to the absolute freshest, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs is just one more way that we can encourage inspiration to strike each and every customer who walks through our doors.”

About Kings Food Markets

An upscale market chain serving customers throughout New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, Kings provides a unique shopping experience paired with the highest quality foods. From locally sourced, organically grown produce, to hand-selected cheeses from over 20 countries, Kings seeks to bring exceptional gourmet items to shoppers in all of the company’s locations. The in-store experience is enhanced by Kings’ associates, all of whom are passionate about food and eager to help customers create the perfect meal. Kings is based in Parsippany, N.J., with 25 stores serving the region. For more information, visit www.kingsfoodmarkets.com. Shoppers can also find Kings on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kingsfoodmarkets) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/kingsfoodmkts).

Red Tomato: Fresh Produce. Fresh Thinking.

A non-profit organization founded in 1996, Plainville, MA-based Red Tomato works with a network of Northeast fruit and vegetable farms to bring farm-fresh, local produce to consumers throughout the region.  Their mission is to connect farmers and consumers through marketing, trade, and education, and through a passionate belief that a family-farm, locally-based, ecological, fair trade food system is the way to a better tomato. Visit them on the web at www.redtomato.org.

Source: Kings Food Markets