2025 Minnesota Grown Retailer Awards announced

By Scout Nelson

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Minnesota Grown program, in partnership with the Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA), has named eight retailers as 2025 Minnesota Grown Retailers of the Year.

These awards recognize excellence in promoting Minnesota-grown products and fostering connections between local farmers and communities.

This year’s winners include retailers from across Minnesota, including Hugo’s Family Marketplace (Thief River Falls), Super One Foods (Duluth), Chris’ Food Center (Sandstone), and Rushford Foods (Rushford). A new Beer, Wine, and Spirits Award was introduced, recognizing Mackenthun’s Fine Foods in Minnetrista for their outstanding promotion of local beverages.

“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 neighbours, it’s a win for everyone.” 

Award winners are selected based on the variety of local products offered, partnerships with Minnesota producers, and innovative marketing strategies, including events, social media, and customer engagement. Each recipient gains exclusive branding rights and will be celebrated at an upcoming MGA event.

The Minnesota Grown program is a partnership between the MDA and agricultural producers, working to promote locally grown products. MGA President Patrick Garofalo praised the collaboration, saying, “Grocers are at the heart of the communities they serve…bringing fresh, healthy, and delicious local products to Minnesotans.”

Winners reported increased sales across departments, from fresh produce to meats. “By highlighting these local products, they are not only strengthening their bottom line, they are also supporting farmers and boosting their local economy,” added Minnesota Grown Marketing Manager Rachel Wandrei.

The awards highlight the vital role of grocers in connecting communities with high-quality, locally produced food, strengthening Minnesota’s agricultural economy.

Photo Credit:minnesota-department-of-agriculture