Submitted photo This display at Jim’s Market showcases six popular vegetables that are provided by growers from Minnesota. The store earned an award for outstanding Minnesota Grown promotion, making it one of seven stores statewide to be recognized in 2021.

CANBY — Jim’s Market of Canby is among the best of the best when it comes to showcasing Minnesota Grown products.

The store was recognized this month by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Minnesota Grown program for the variety of goods it placed in a produce display and overall effectiveness in working with Minnesota Grown members. It was one of seven stores in Minnesota to receive regional awards.

“We’re proud of it,” said Jim’s Market store manager Brian McKeen. “Minnesota raised products are an important part of our business. We work hard to make them available to our shoppers.”

He said the display featured six popular vegetables; including cabbage, corn, carrots, radishes, potatoes and squash. They’re among a wide assortment of popular produce options. Seasonal favorites include sweet corn and apples.

Jim’s Market also has Minnesota suppliers for areas of the store such as honey products and meats. Honey is provided by Quail Honey of Brandt, South Dakota and by Big Dipper Bee Company of Minneota. It’s Angus beef is furnished by Revier Cattle Company based in Olivia.

“We’re always looking for ways to carry more local and regional products,” McKeen said. “There are plenty of growers in the region who offer outstanding choices.”

An MDA news release notes that the seven regional winners were announced at a March webinar. They were judged based on the appeal of store displays, as well as how effectively each store promotes Minnesota Grown merchandise.

In particular, judges considered the number of products and the number of Minnesota Grown farmers stores work with. They also looked for effective utilization of advertising, social media and in-store promotions.

Minnesota Grown publishes a yearly directory of Minnesota direct marketers of food products. It also encourages the use of Minnesota Grown labels and packaging.

The store contest is a collaborative effort with the Minnesota Grocers Association, which encourages its members to actively work toward regioanl award consideration.

“Grocers are essential to the communities they serve and are proud to support our local partners,” said Minnesota Grocers Association President Jamie Pfuhl. The success of the Minnesota Grown program is driven by the exceptional efforts of all in the food industry.”