Congratulations to the Lakeview Metro for winning the Platinum Foodland Award of Excellence

June 2, 2025

MISSISSAUGA – Today, the Hon. Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, joined Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP for Mississauga–Lakeshore, to present Manager Todd Martin and his team at Metro #73 (Lakeview) with a Foodland Retailer’s Award of Excellence, for their creativity in building produce displays that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to Ontario’s local food industry.

“Only four stores in the entire province received a Foodland Ontario Award of Excellence for 2024,” noted Cuzzetto, “which celebrates Ontario retailers that have won the Platinum Award two years in a row. Todd Martin and the Lakeview Metro team continue to go above and beyond, with exciting displays that make it easier for consumers to identify and choose healthy and fresh local foods for their families.”

For more than 35 years, the Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards have been celebrating the creative expression of produce managers and staff for their unique and innovative displays that promote locally grown food.

This program runs between January and November and includes four categories of displays that retailers can enter to showcase their efforts to promote in-season, Ontario grown fruits and vegetables.

“Supporting Canadian products and buying local is not a new concept for Metro. In the current context, we are putting a greater emphasis on local and Canadian products and optimising their visibility in all our Metro stores,” said Joe Fusco, Senior Vice President of Metro. “We’re proud to support Local Food Week and celebrate the incredible work of Ontario’s farmers and producers. Our partnership with Foodland Ontario reflects our commitment to offering fresh, locally grown produce to our customers. We’re especially proud of our team at Metro #73 and produce manager John Leonardi, whose award-winning displays help bring the best of Ontario produce to life in our stores.”

“Across the province, we have more than 48,000 farms and 5,200 food processors and food manufacturers working 365 days a year growing, harvesting and making delicious food right here at home,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “By choosing to purchase what is grown and made in Ontario, consumers are supporting our farmers and communities, strengthening the economy and protecting our local food supply chain.”

The annual Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards celebrate excellence in retail display and promotion in support of local Ontario foods.

Quick Facts

• This year, Foodland Ontario Retailer Awards are recognizing 60 grocery stores across the province for their innovative promotion of fresh Ontario food. For a list of the 2024 Retailer Award winners, visit Foodland Ontario’s website.
• Ontario has one of the most diverse agri-food industries in Canada, producing more than 200 commodities, such as asparagus, berries, tender fruit, apples, greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.
• For more than 45 years, Foodland Ontario has connected with families on how to recognize, prepare and enjoy locally grown foods.