Spartan Stores Promotes Michigan Made Products to Stimulate State Economy

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- While Michigan has historically been known for its automobile and furniture manufacturing, the state also is one of our nation's leading producers of apples, cherries, asparagus, potatoes, blueberries, baby food, cereal and baked goods ... to name just a few items found on your local grocery store shelves. It is this connection to the food industry that Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Spartan Stores, the nation's 11th largest grocery distributor, is building upon to stimulate the state's economy. Spartan Stores has kicked off its expanded MICHIGAN's BEST campaign in its 97 D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare, Glen's Markets, and VG's, as well as 250 independent grocery stores. More than 3,000 Michigan made products will carry the eye-catching MICHIGAN's BEST label to help consumers quickly identify Michigan made products.

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(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090922/CL79222LOGO )

Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, notes: "In a state where one in every four jobs is supported by agriculture, the more products Michigan farmers sell, the better it is for our entire economy. When we make it and grow it in Michigan, the jobs stay in Michigan. Spartan Stores' MICHIGAN's BEST campaign is a terrific way to promote home-grown products and create Michigan jobs."

Spartan Stores created the MICHIGAN's BEST program in July of 2009 as a means to pay tribute to Michigan farmers and businesses and help residents identify Michigan made products. The initial campaign promoted 2,400 products grown and produced by 42 businesses and farms in Michigan and emphasized that buying Michigan made products is a simple -- and healthy -- way to boost the state's economy.

According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture, if consumers spent just $10 a week on Michigan products, it would keep more than $40 million working for Michigan every week.

Since launching the first MICHIGAN's BEST campaign in 2009, the impact of program on our state economy in general has been significant, notes Alan Hartline, Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing for Spartan Stores. "We have been delighted at consumer response of our Michigan's Best campaign which affords consumer the ability to support our state economy. The Michigan's Best program supports our State, our farmers, our manufacturers, our neighbors, and our families simply by choosing Michigan made products. Buying local helps keep Michigan residents employed. It also benefits communities by boosting the local and state economy by creating more jobs. Plus, buying local fresh fruits and vegetables picked within hours of being on the shelf is a healthier option. Local products also have lower food miles, meaning they are shipped shorter distances, which requires less gas and is better for the environment."

Buying local isn't something that takes a great deal of effort. The MICHIGAN's BEST program includes an extensive A-Z list of options from apples to vitamins and a plethora of fruits, vegetables, cereal, coffee, dairy, meat, juice, beer and wine, baked goods, health and beauty, and homecare products in between.

For example, here are just a few meal options to consider:

• Breakfast - eggs, milk, juice, cereal, bread, baked goods, ham, bacon
• Lunch - salads, deli meat, chips, fruit, cookies
• Dinner - fire up the grill for chicken, fish, pork or beef, fix a salad with Michigan lettuce, veggies, and dressing; enjoy pasta and a Michigan made wine or beer if you chose
• Dessert - some of the world's best ice cream is made close to home, not to mention my favorite...Bill Knapp's chocolate cakes...a great childhood memory

How do you identify Michigan Made products in the stores?

It is easy for shoppers to identify and select Michigan made products -- not just because of the variety, but throughout the 350 stores statewide, Spartan Stores has identified the 3,000+ products with the MICHIGAN's BEST logo. To raise greater awareness of Michigan made products, Spartan Stores also has launched the shopmichigansbest.com website. A complete list of products as well as Michigan based farms and companies are listed on the website. Spartan Stores also plans to host a number of in store promotions, including signage, weekly specials featuring Michigan made products, and a children's coloring contest.

Spartan Stores was honored with the National Grocers Association Creative Choice Advertising Award as "2010 Best Advertising Campaign" for its MICHIGAN's BEST campaign.

For a complete list of store locations, visit online at: shopmichigansbest.com

About Spartan Stores ...

Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Spartan Stores, Inc., is the nation's eleventh largest grocery distributor with 1.4 million square feet of warehouse, distribution, and office space located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Company distributes more than 40,000 corporate and national brand products to approximately 375 independent grocery stores in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, and to our 97 corporate owned stores located in Michigan, including Family Fare Supermarkets, Glen's Markets, D&W Fresh Markets and VG's Food and Pharmacy.

SOURCE Spartan Stores