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 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 presented 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; and
- 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.”
Each winner receives exclusive rights to use their regional Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year branding in their ads and displays, and will be recognized by their peers at an MGA event in the spring.
“Grocers are at the heart of the communities they serve, and we are so proud of the innovative partnerships between grocery stores, distributors and farmers that are showcased in this contest,” said MGA President Patrick Garofalo. “We are thrilled to play a role in this effort celebrating the vital work of bringing fresh, healthy and delicious local products to Minnesotans across the state.”
[RELATED: MGA Names Garofalo As Incoming President, Succeeding Pfuhl]
Awards are determined by multiple factors, including the number of local products offered and the number of Minnesota farmers and producers the grocers purchased from. The review panel also looked at use of ads, displays, social media and events to promote Minnesota grown items to customers. More information can be found on the Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year webpage.
“Grocers who participated this year reported seeing a significant increase in their sales across multiple departments, from fresh produce to the meat section, which was incredibly exciting to see,” said Minnesota Grown Marketing Manager Rachel Wandrei.
“The stores went all out this year, from creating recipes with local foods on their social media channels, to hosting events where shoppers can meet their local farmers. By highlighting these local products, they are not only strengthening their bottom line, they are also supporting farmers and boosting their local economy, all while giving customers the high-quality local foods they are looking for.”
