Weis Markets Launches New 'Local and Proud of It' Produce Campaign

SUNBURY, Pa., Aug. 3  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Weis Markets today announced the launch of its Local and Proud of It campaign highlighting its commitment to offering a wide variety of locally grown produce.

"For 97 years, we've purchased and sold local produce wherever we've operated stores," said Weis Markets President and CEO David J. Hepfinger.  "This year, we expect to purchase 21 million pounds of local produce from nearly 150 local producers and co-ops in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia.

"In challenging economic times, offering local produce makes even more sense due to the lower costs of bringing it to market compared to other parts of the country and the world.  Closer proximity to markets also lessens the environmental impact," said Mr. Hepfinger.  "When it comes to buying local, our Local and Proud of It campaign sums up what we stand for as a company."

In stores, customers will see Local and Proud of It window signs, banners and first of the season signs for produce coming into season.

In season, local produce sales generate 20% of Weis Markets' produce sales during the local growing season.  Weis Markets stores regularly sell local sweet corn, green beans, peaches, apples, lettuce, watermelons, cabbage, blueberries, cucumbers, cantaloupes, tomatoes, potatoes, squash and pumpkins.

The local produce season extends into fall when the company continues to purchase locally grown apples, pumpkins and potatoes.

In other departments, Weis Markets continues to expand its Pennsylvania Proud Angus Beef program, which it launched last year.  In its dairy case, its Weis Quality milk is supplied by dairy farms in Pennsylvania and Maryland while most of the eggs it sells are supplied by Sauder Eggs in Lancaster County.

Founded in 1912, Weis Markets, Inc. (NYSE:WMK) is a Mid-Atlantic food retailer operating 154 stores in five states: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia. 

DATASOURCE: Weis Markets, Inc.



CONTACT:  Dennis V. Curtin of Weis Markets, Inc., [phone],

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