I'm embarrassed to say that after many years on the South Shore, I had never stepped foot inside the Fruit Center Marketplace in Hingham or Milton. But a few weeks ago, I made the short trip to Milton and was pleasantly surprised. It is by no means a typical trip to the grocery store. Rather, it is a shopping experience.

Don't let the name of the establishment fool you. There's fruit, yes: Lots and lots of bountiful, colorful, healthy fruit. There is also an abundance of gorgeous vegetables, meat and fish stations, fresh sushi, a deli counter, a massive--- and I mean state-of-the-art--- salad bar that has over 100 items freshly chopped everyday (with things I've never even heard of deliciously displayed), as well as a gourmet section filled with imported oils, cheeses, as well as local pastries and breads. I even saw several variations of coffees from local companies. Who knew?! And, of course, you can't have all of this beautiful food without the perfect complement of wine and flowers.

I was entertaining some guests that night and walked out of the marketplace with a freshly cooked spinach calzone from the deli, Greek salad and grape leaves from the salad bar, and a bottle of red and white. So perfect, and with so little thought on my part (the way I like it)!

The best thing about the produce is that most of it is grown close to home. And, while, I would call this an upscale marketplace, the prices are not inflated---in fact, because they work with local farmers, the produce is often priced below that of the mainstream markets.

But to really understand what this place offers, you have to look beyond the meat, fish, gourmet displays, and produce. In the Milton location you can sit down and have lunch at the Marketplace Café where you can get a menu of light fare options, including a 'make your own burger' with your choice of sirloin, turkey, or veggie burgers and a list of many different toppings. The made-to-order sandwiches available in the market are made in the restaurant, but I would recommend making an afternoon of it. Take the kids, your best friend, or your husband to have lunch and then grab food for the week!

Yet, what I admire the most is the Fruit Center's commitment to the community. Just last year the company supported about 100 organizations and charitable groups, from the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to Best Buddies to Healing Hands for Haiti, as well as Halifax Girls Softball, Hingham High Hockey, Milton Little League, and South Shore Hospital....and the list goes on.

And, there are cooking classes!!!  Local chefs will teach you specific dishes or specific skills, such as gluten-free baking. There are also food pairing and wine tasting classes. Hello?! I'm in.

Plus, 'living locally' and being environmentally friendly is a part of this company's culture. They even went so far as to install eco-friendly motors in the refrigerator systems!

Most importantly, the Fruit Center Marketplace is about people: Its employees---- some of whom have been there for 10-to-30 years--- and its customers. "Our staff goes above and beyond to make sure people's needs are met," said Mike Dwyer, the Fruit Center's marketing director. "We hire good people. That is the key to a successful business."

Of course, the Fruit Center Marketplace also provides your everyday grocery items, be it milk, cereal, chips, or peanut butter. But, when you walk into this store it somehow doesn't feel like the everyday shopping experience.

Michael Dwyer says it best. Hear it directly from him in the video below:

By Stephanie Neil

Stephanie Neil is a journalist. Her business, technology, and human interest stories have appeared in a variety of print and online newspapers and magazines, including eWeek, Managing Automation, The Harvard Alumni Bulletin, Huggies Baby Network, South Shore Woman, and The Boston Globe.  She lives in Scituate with her two teenagers, Mac and Kate, and their yellow lab, Chloe.

Comments(2):

1. The Fruit Center

   I loved your article about The Fruit Center, one of my favorite places. My company takes care of seniors in their homes and I am always stopping to buy flowers, fruit, individual cupcakes etc. to bring as small remembrances. Often they will put a bow to dress my gift up and our clients are so appreciative. Great experience shopping there. Mary Jo Cicchetti, Comfort Keepers

   Tuesday, June 15, 2010 Mary Jo

2. fruit center

   Love the article Steph, my kids and I go to the Fruit Ctr, and they love the salad bar room!! that is the place they soooo look forward to, loading up on local grown produce, and healthy choices, they are so excited every trip to Hingham!!

   Thursday, June 17, 2010 carol