NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE-GREY MPP JIM WILSON
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Sobeys Collingwood and Sobeys Angus are among 60 grocery stores in the province recognized this year for their innovative promotion of fresh Ontario food.
Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson was pleased to visit both outlets to offer congratulations, and present them with Gold Foodland Ontario Retailer Award plaques.
The Foodland Ontario Awards program is the province’s premier competition recognizing excellence in the display and promotion of Ontario foods. It is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in partnership with a number of industry organizations.
“Grocers are key to ensuring that customers are aware of locally grown food in their stores and that they choose to purchase it,” said Mr. Wilson. “Buying local food supports a strong agri-food sector that sustains us, boosts our economy, and helps create good jobs across our region,” he added.
The Gold category – awarded to the Angus and Collingwood stores – is based on the number of non-produce items cross-merchandised with Ontario agricultural commodities, compatibility of the products, and appropriate signage.
Presenting the awards, MPP Wilson said to the store employees, "Thank you for taking pride in building creative and innovative displays that encourage shoppers to take home the good things that grow in Ontario."
Ontario is home to almost 46,900 farms that grow more than 200 agricultural products. The sector contributes $47.7 billion to the province’s GDP and employs over 837,000 people – about one in every 10 jobs in Ontario.
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