October 26, 2004

FOODLAND ONTARIO RETAILER AWARDS

The Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards program recognizes grocery retailers for their innovative
promotion of Ontario-grown fruits and vegetables. Each year, approximately 1,250 stores across
the province are involved in the promotion of Ontario produce. Stores submit photographs of their
promotions and displays to qualify for the awards.

There are four award categories. The Platinum Year Round Support Award recognizes merchandising excellence with Ontario grown commodities through three seasons: spring, summer
and winter. The Gold Category Award distinguishes excellence at both chain and independent
stores in three specific categories: seasonal, creative and cross-merchandised. The Silver Award of
Merit honours excellence in promoting Ontario produce in a display. The Foodland Ontario Award
of Excellence is presented to the top-scoring Ontario retailers, in each store size category, that have
won the Platinum Award for consistent year-round merchandising achievement for two years in a
row.

Retailers partner with Foodland Ontario because it is a successful marketing program that offers
them a competitive edge. Based on research findings, there is a high degree of consumer trust in
Ontario-grown produce. The Foodland Ontario symbol has tremendous recognition with consumers looking and asking for Foodland Ontario by name. For more than 25 years, consumers have identified the stylized trillium with homegrown freshness and quality.

The award is co-sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food in partnership with
Ontario Asparagus Growers’ Marketing Board, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, Ontario Tender Fruit Producers’ Marketing Board, Ontario Apple Growers and Ontario Potato Board.

Highlighting this year’s promotional activities were a pyramid with baskets of fruit surrounded by balloons with a Foodland Ontario flag on top; an old fashioned fruit stand in store with baskets of fruit surrounded by complementary items; and a fruit and vegetable display based on the Olympic theme.

Contact:

Jim James
Foodland Ontario
(519) 826-3946
jim.james@omafra.gov.on.ca

Related Links

• List of 2004 Retail Winners
• Retail Awards News Release