Festival Foods Gets Organic Produce Certification
VADNAIS HEIGHTS, Minn. -- Knowlan's Super Markets, Inc.'s Twin Cities' Festival Foods grocery markets have been awarded the fresh produce organic retailer certification by Quality Assurance International (QAI), the largest organic certification body in the United States.
Said Knowlan's executive director, perishables Jason Herfel in a statement: "Becoming a certified organic fresh produce retailer confirms our dedication to providing 'Best of Market' fresh produce. This dedication is supported by our ongoing search for the right products at the right time of year locally and globally, which means our customers get the highest level of quality and freshness in the local marketplace. Our goal is to be the leader in our market in terms of providing the freshest fruits and vegetables. Becoming certified by QAI shows that we are one step closer toward that goal."
QAI certification follows USDA standards and guidelines for organic foods. The QAI certification process calls for a comprehensive program, including verification of organic status, employee training, regular inspections, and audits. The new Bloomington Festival Foods, which is scheduled to open Oct. 11, will also be included in the organic certification program.
"Efforts have been underway for several months to achieve fresh produce organic certification at all seven Festival Foods Twin Cities locations," observed Knowlan's president Lauri Youngquist. "It's simply a great choice for our customers. Studies have shown that American consumers are demanding healthier, more natural foods, and organic products are a huge part of that movement."
Since achieving certification, Festival Foods can feature the QAI mark in its fresh produce departments, so consumers can easily pick out the certified-organic items.
QAI is a USDA-accredited agency that verifies organic and other claims for more than 4,500 clients worldwide.
Privately held Knowlan's owns seven Festival Foods stores and two Knowlan's stores.
Said Knowlan's executive director, perishables Jason Herfel in a statement: "Becoming a certified organic fresh produce retailer confirms our dedication to providing 'Best of Market' fresh produce. This dedication is supported by our ongoing search for the right products at the right time of year locally and globally, which means our customers get the highest level of quality and freshness in the local marketplace. Our goal is to be the leader in our market in terms of providing the freshest fruits and vegetables. Becoming certified by QAI shows that we are one step closer toward that goal."
QAI certification follows USDA standards and guidelines for organic foods. The QAI certification process calls for a comprehensive program, including verification of organic status, employee training, regular inspections, and audits. The new Bloomington Festival Foods, which is scheduled to open Oct. 11, will also be included in the organic certification program.
"Efforts have been underway for several months to achieve fresh produce organic certification at all seven Festival Foods Twin Cities locations," observed Knowlan's president Lauri Youngquist. "It's simply a great choice for our customers. Studies have shown that American consumers are demanding healthier, more natural foods, and organic products are a huge part of that movement."
Since achieving certification, Festival Foods can feature the QAI mark in its fresh produce departments, so consumers can easily pick out the certified-organic items.
QAI is a USDA-accredited agency that verifies organic and other claims for more than 4,500 clients worldwide.
Privately held Knowlan's owns seven Festival Foods stores and two Knowlan's stores.