Longo's Wins Prestigious Vision Award for Outstanding Support of Ontario-Grown Foods

TORONTO, March 25, 2013 /CNW/ - In recognition for its exceptional commitment to offering Ontario-grown foods, Longo Brothers Fruit Markets Inc. was presented with a Vision Award at the annual Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards held at the Liberty Grand in Toronto on Friday, March 22^nd.

The Vision Award was introduced this year as a means to recognize outstanding corporate support for promoting Ontario foods as part of the Foodland Ontario program. The Vision Award criteria is based on the breadth of the retailer's local campaign namely its different elements (magazine, flyers, signage, etc), its potential reach, impact at store level via point of sale, number of categories it covers and how Foodland Ontario is incorporated.

The Longo's food experts partnered with Foodland Ontario not only to highlight the local produce selection but also expanded to other locally produced foods like meat cheeses and eggs. Moreover, the retailer incorporated the Foodland logo into its point of sale as well as in all its promotional materials like Experience Magazine and in-store flyers.

"Since we first opened our doors in 1956, Longo's has been dedicated to finding the best foods that Ontario has to offer. We pride ourselves in hand-picking produce at the Ontario Food Terminal six days a week.  Our focus is on eating fresh, whenever possible, and to us eating fresh and eating local go hand-in-hand. Longo's is proud to support local farmers in partnership with Foodland Ontario and honoured to have been given this recognition," says Anthony Longo, CEO, Longo's.

Today's luncheon and award ceremony is the conclusion of a year-long competition where grocery retailers are celebrated by industry leaders, business associates and peers. The recipients are winners of a seasonal and producer-sponsored Foodland Ontario Retail Display contest that requires retailers to create inspired and attractive displays featuring seasonal Ontario items. Over 1,100 entries were received this year from retailers across the province for display categories such as, "Fall Harvest," "Greenhouse" and "Tender Fruit."

Longo's is also the recipient of the seven following awards for display and merchandising excellence:

• Platinum (Fairview St.- Burlington)
  
  
• Gold Creative (Rutherford Rd.- Woodbridge)
  
  
• Silver Award of Merit (Walkers Line- Burlington)
  
  
• Silver Award of Merit (Copper Creek Dr.- Markham)
  
  
• Silver Award of Merit (Maple Ave.- Milton)
  
  
• Silver Award of Merit (Winston Churchill- Mississauga)
  
  
• Silver Award of Merit (Wyecroft Rd.- Oakville)

About Longo's

A family-owned organization, Longo's first opened its doors in Toronto in 1956 and now boasts 25 stores across the GTA, employing more than 4,600 team members.  Grocery Gateway, the leader in online sales of home delivered groceries, is owned and operated by Longo Brothers Fruit Market Inc. since 2004.  Inspired by their Founders and their commitment to a Fresh Tradition, the Longo's team of food experts is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations by offering the best food experience at a great value to every customer, every time by providing Fresh & Unique Offerings, Everyday Foods & Groceries, Services for Ease and Education and ideas.  Coming in June 2012 to Southeast Oakville is Longo's 26th store at 469 Cornwall Road. For more information visit longos.com or grocerygateway.com

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SOURCE: Longo's

Sarah Laister
Mansfield Communications
[email protected]
416-599-0024 ex. 230