Canada Safeway has joined forces with the Government of Manitoba, the Manitoba Food Processors Association and other Manitoba food processing industry stakeholders in a new initiative to promote awareness of Manitoba-grown and processed food products.
The official launch for the multi-year, $3 million program was held on Thursday with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Canada Safeway’s newest store in northeast Winnipeg.
Bothwell Cheese booth at Canada Safeway Buy Manitoba launch
“It is appropriate that we are having the ribbon cutting at our River East store,” said Scott Chollak, Canada Safeway’s vice-president for retail operations. “This is a LEED-certified store with a long list of sustainable and energy efficient elements–demonstrating our commitment to a greener store. By selling more locally-produced products, we can sell fresher products and reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by trucking product in from great distances.”
Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiative; Scott Chollak, Canada Safeway VP retail operations; Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger; Craig Evans, CEO Granny's Poultry Co-op
Chollak reported that as of now, Safeway’s Manitoba stores are carrying close to 1,000 products that are grown and/or produced in Manitoba (including Safeway’s own Lucerne dairy products). These products are highlighted in the stores by new overhead and shelving signage featuring the new “Buy Manitoba” logo.
“We are looking to have our Manitoba-made products available in all our Canada Safeway stores across the country,” Chollak said.
