MOUNT FOREST – The Foodland grocery store here was recognized with a Foodland Ontario Retailer Award on May 25 – and also served as the location for the announcement of all 65 winners recognized by the province.
Foodland Mount Forest received one of 36 “Silver Awards of Merit,” which “celebrate excellence in promoting Ontario produce in a display,” states a press release from the province.
“We know our customers love local. When we/our team puts the effort into building displays featuring local products it makes our customers happy in their purchase knowing they are supporting local farmers,” stated Foodland Mount Forest owners Luigi and Kim Catalano in the release.
“We put the effort into creating these displays because we want to support our community and showcase the amazing products our local farms grow. In turn, it builds a sense of contribution among our staff.
“Along with our entire staff at the Mount Forest Foodland, we would like to thank and congratulate our outstanding produce team.”
Agriculture minister Lisa Thompson and Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae were on hand in Mount Forest to present the award to the Catalanos and to recognize all Foodland Ontario Retailer Award winners for 2022.
Mount Forest Foodland was awarded a 2022 Silver Award of Merit from Foodland Ontario in recognition of the store’s displays promoting Ontario produce. Photo by Crystal Seifried
“Promoting Ontario food is critical to supporting our farm families, processors and entire agri-food value chain,” stated Rae.
“The Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards celebrate the best of the best in the promotion of these products, and the Mount Forest location has provided top-tier delivery of this initiative when it comes to showcasing Ontario grown products and encouraging consumer awareness.”
Thompson congratulated all the winners and noted the grocery stores’ efforts “are a staple in driving awareness of our agri-food sector.”
She stated buying food grown and produced in Ontario “directly supports our farmers, processors and other businesses across our food supply chain and helps create jobs, strengthen communities and our provincial economy.”
The Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards, which have been presented for more than 35 years, recognize “unique and innovative” grocery store displays that promote locally-grown food.
The four categories include the Award of Excellence, Platinum All Seasons Award, Gold Category Award and Silver Award of Merit.
The Fergus Zehrs was also recognized with a Silver Award of Merit for 2022.
For a complete list of winners visit the Foodland Ontario website.
