Retailers Invited to Join Minnesota Grown Contest 2026

By Scout Nelson

Minnesota Grown and the Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) are inviting grocery and liquor stores across the state to participate in the 2026 Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year contest.

The annual program recognizes retailers that make outstanding efforts to promote Minnesota-grown and Minnesota-made food products, including fresh produce, meat, dairy products, packaged goods and locally produced beverages.

The contest encourages retailers to develop creative displays and promotional campaigns featuring products from Minnesota farmers and producers. The goal is to increase consumer awareness of locally sourced products while strengthening connections between shoppers, retailers and the state’s agricultural community.

The competition will run from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30, 2026, giving stores the opportunity to showcase Minnesota Grown products through in-store displays, tasting events, community activities and marketing initiatives. Organizers are encouraging retailers to use innovative approaches that highlight local suppliers and their products.

New for 2026, retail chains will be judged based on the number of stores they operate, and regional awards will be presented throughout Minnesota. The contest will also include the return of the People’s Choice Award, allowing consumers to vote for their favorite displays.

Winning retailers will receive the right to use the “Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year” logo throughout 2027. Additional recognition includes a commemorative plaque, staff recognition materials and promotional exposure through Minnesota Grown and MGA.

Retailers interested in participating must submit their entries by 4 p.m. on Oct. 9, 2026, through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s online grants portal. Contest details and registration information are available through the Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year contest webpage.

Minnesota Grown, a program of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, promotes products grown and raised within the state and connects consumers with local farms, markets and agricultural producers. The Minnesota Grocers Association represents Minnesota’s food industry and supports retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers across the state.

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