By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Minnesota Grown program, in partnership with the Minnesota Grocers Association, has announced eight retailers as 2025–2026 Minnesota Grown Retailers of the Year.
These awards celebrate grocery stores that excel in promoting locally grown and produced items across the state. In addition to regional winners, the program also named a Beer, Wine, and Spirits category winner, along with a People’s Choice recipient selected through public voting.
This year’s regional winners represent communities across Minnesota, including:
- Northwest: Hugo’s Family Market, Thief River Falls
- Northeast: Super One Foods, Duluth Miller Hill
- Central: Chris’ Food Center, Sandstone
- Southwest: Wells Marketplace Foods, Wells
- Southeast: Nilssen’s Foods, Zumbrota
- Twin Cities: Kowalski’s Market, Excelsior
- People’s Choice: Knowlan’s Fresh Foods, Maplewood
- Beer, Wine, and Sprits: Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, The Cove Wine & Spirits, Minnetrista
“Minnesota grocers are leading the way in making locally grown and produced foods more accessible in their communities,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “This recognition is well deserved. These retailers are not only supporting local farmers and food businesses, they’re helping build stronger local food systems across the state.”
Each retailer named as a winner receives exclusive rights to use Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year for branding in advertising, store displays, and promotions. Winners will also be recognized at an upcoming Minnesota Grocers Association event.
“The Minnesota Grocers Association is proud to support partnerships between grocery stores, distributors, and food producers who are showcased in the Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year contest,” stated MGA President Patrick Garofalo.
Award decisions are based on several criteria, including the variety of local products sold, the number of Minnesota producers supported, and the effectiveness of promotions such as ads, displays, social media content, and special events.
The Minnesota Grown Marketing Manager shared that participation in the contest often increases sales and encourages stores to expand local product offerings.
Minnesota Grown has promoted food raised and produced in the state for over 40 years. Through tools like the Minnesota Grown Directory, it connects shoppers with more than 1,000 local farms, markets, and producers.
The Minnesota Grocers Association continues to serve as a major advocate for Minnesota’s food industry, supporting hundreds of retails and supply chain members statewide.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Minnesota, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety