Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year Contest
Fresh from your Neighbor
Does your store love local?
Minnesota Grown celebrates Minnesota grocers who support local farmers. The annual Retailer of the Year contest recognizes grocery and liquor stores that promote foods produced by Minnesota Grown members, including fresh produce, meat and poultry, cheese and dairy, packaged goods, and wine, cider, beer, spirits and more! Are you in?
Retailer of the Year Survey
Minnesota Grown is seeking feedback on the Retailer of the Year Contest. Your input will help shape the contest structure and ensure it continues to provide value to participants. Three responders will be selected at random to receive a Minnesota Grown giveaway item -- t-shirt, hat, or apron. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Contest Period
The 2025-2026 Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year contest will run August 1 - September 30, 2025. Complete the interest form to receive further information as it is released.
Wholesale Directory
Looking for local foods fresh from Minnesota Grown farms? The Minnesota Grown Wholesale Directory makes it easy to find producers close to your business.
Branded Marketing Materials
Minnesota Grown provides free branded materials - including shelf tags and shelf talkers - to retailers to use in promoting local products. Per Minnesota statute, retailers may use the Minnesota Grown logo for displaying and advertising products that qualify for use of the Minnesota Grown logo.
Retailers are encouraged to use these materials year-round!
2025 Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year Winners Announced
Minnesota grocers recognized for promoting locally grown products
Eight Minnesota retailers who demonstrate excellence in locally grown and produced products have been named a 2025 Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Minnesota Grown program, in partnership with the Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA). Along with awards given by region, a new beer, wine, and spirits award was given to recognize excellence in liquor stores.
This year’s winners include:
- Northwest: Hugo’s Family Marketplace, Thief River Falls
- Northeast: Super One Foods, Duluth Miller Hill
- Central: Chris’ Food Center, Sandstone
- Southwest: Jim’s Market, Canby
- Southeast: Rushford Foods, Rushford
- Twin Cities: Lunds & Byerlys, Apple Valley
- People’s Choice: Festival Foods, Andover
- Beer, Wine, & Spirits: Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, The Cove Wine & Spirits, Minnetrista
“We applaud these grocers and their employees for their leadership in offering Minnesota grown foods and products,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “When shoppers have access to more foods grown and raised by their neighbors, it’s a win for everyone - Minnesota’s farmers, grocers, and communities alike.” Read the full press release.
The annual Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year contest is a partnership between the Minnesota Grown program and the Minnesota Grocers Association.
Resources
Questions? Email jennifer.j.alexander@state.mn.us
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