News

Subway teams up with local tomato farmers

August 30, 2011

Subway restaurants in California have teamed up with the California Tomato Farmers (CTF), a cooperative of family-owned tomato farming operations to promote state-grown tomatoes in-store and online.

Throughout September, Subway's California stores are serving tomatoes from CTF, a group that embraces sustainable and responsible farming. The promotion began in July.

During the summer months, Subway uses tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuces, baby spinach and red onions from California for much of its U.S. and Canada operations.

"Although the Subway brand benefits from the efficiencies of a centralized distribution network, we know our customers are increasingly interested in locally sourced products that help support local businesses as well as reduce the carbon footprint of the supply chain," said Tina Fitzgerald, director of produce and corporate responsibility for Subway. "Knowing this, our non-profit, franchisee owned, Independent Purchasing Cooperative (IPC) tries to incorporate locally sourced products where possible provided they meet our stringent specification and are cost effective."

The promotion includes signage that highlights the California-grown origin of the stores' tomatoes and offers examples to customers on ways the California Tomato Farmers "live green."

Read more about sustainability practices.