Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards recognize in-store fresh displays

On March 3, 66 retailers in Ontario were recognized with Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards for their creative in store displays that promote fresh Ontario food.

With research showing that 76% of purchase decisions are made once customers are in-store, it's clear how important in-store displays are to fresh sales.

Each year, stores submit photos of their promotional displays for fresh Ontario produce to qualify for the awards.

This year, judges reviewed more than 5,000 photographs submitted by 3,500 entrants.

The following three stores were awarded with the Foodland Ontario Award of Excellence, which is presented to the top-scoring Ontario retailers, in each store size category, that have won the Platinum All Seasons Award two years in a row: Metro #73, 406 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga; Metro #479, 70 Front Street North, Orillia; and Sobeys Ira Needles, 235 Ira Needles Boulevard, Kitchener.

The Vision Awards, which honour retail head offices for outstanding corporate support, went to: Sobeys Inc., Food Basics (Metro Ontario Inc.), and Longo Brothers Fruit Markets Inc.

Commenting on the winners, Premier and Minister of Agriculture and Food, Kathleen Wynne said, "We all have a role to play in making the good things that grow in Ontario our first choice whenever possible, and I want to thank all of today’s winners for going the extra mile to do just that."

Go here to see full list of award recipients.