Rutter's Forms New Partnerships With Core-Mark, US Foods

YORK, Pa. -- Rutter's Farm Stores is now running with the big dogs of distribution -- Core-Mark Holding Co. and US Foods Inc. -- thanks to separate, three-year agreements with the wholesalers.

Rutter's partnership with Core-Mark will give the convenience store retailer access to the expansive portfolio of one of the nation's largest c-store suppliers. In addition to the cost benefit that will result from the agreement, Rutter's noted Core-Mark's ability to deliver more frequently and at optimal times, its shorter fulfillment times and proven track record of superior category management.

Under the agreement, all of Rutter's 58 central Pennsylvania stores will be supplied by Core-Mark's Wilkes-Barre, Pa., wholesale distribution center.

"Rutter's is a pacesetter in the convenience store industry, as well as a best-in-class retailer. The addition of Rutter's represents Core-Mark's continued commitment to delivering fresh and broadline products with a more efficient supply chain, which resonates with the country's best retailers," said Christopher Hobson, senior vice president of marketing for Core-Mark. "We are very pleased and excited to begin this relationship and to work with Rutter's forward-thinking CEO Scott Hartman and his dynamic team. They continue to redefine what a convenience store and foodservice retailer can offer to its customers."

Core-Mark offers a full range of products, marketing programs and technology solutions to approximately 30,000 customer locations in the United States and Canada through its 28 distribution centers.

In addition, Rutter's cited several benefits to its new relationship with US Foods, including increased product selection, significant cost advantage, delivery schedule flexibility and optimal delivery timing.

US Foods is a foodservice development specialist that will help the c-store retailer improve upon its award-winning program. All 58 of Rutter's c-stores will be supplied by US Foods' distribution center in Allentown, Pa.

US Foods is the 10th largest private company in America, offering more than 350,000 products to its more than 250,000 customers.