Minnesota Grown announces Retailer of the Year winners

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Minnesota Grown program announced the winners of its annual Retailer of the Year contest today in conjunction with the Minnesota Grocers Association. Assistant Commissioner Andrea Vaubel presented awards at the annual Minnesota Grocers Association luncheon in Bloomington. Four regional winners and the annual People’s Choice award were announced.

“Grocers make it possible for Minnesotans to buy fresh, locally-grown produce and agricultural products,” said Assistant Commissioner Vaubel. “Each of the winning retailers has shown commitment to promoting Minnesota grown and raised foods, and we’re happy to commend their efforts today.”

The four regional Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year winners are:

· Super One Foods, Baxter – Northwest

· Chris’ Food Center, Sandstone – Northeast

· Kowalski’s Market, Woodbury – Twin Cities

· Lunds and Byerlys, St. Cloud – West Central

An additional People’s Choice award for the best display was also presented based on a combination of fan voting on the Minnesota Grown Facebook page and judges’ evaluation for use of the Minnesota Grown logo.

Festival Foods in Bloomington won the People’s Choice Award for Best Display.

In addition to a commemorative plaque, winners received the exclusive rights to use the Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year logo in their ads and displays for the next year.