
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, September 15, 1993                   TAG: 9309110039
SECTION: VIRGINIA'S FINEST                    PAGE: VF-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

CELEBRATING VA. AGRICULTURE

Sept. 15 through Oct. 13 marks the third annual statewide Virginia's Finest promotion sponsored by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It's a time when Virginia products are highlighted through special store displays, cooking demonstrations, product tastings and newspaper advertising. This year's promotion also features singer/songwriter Robbin Thompson in television and radio public service announcements where he performs an original composition created especially for the Virginia's Finest trademark program.

Now through Oct. 13, look for the familiar Virginia's Finest blue and red trademark when shopping for your favorite grocery items. The trademark can be found on products or shelves and on special store displays to make it easy for you to find high-quality products grown, or produced, right here in Virginia. Though Virginia's Finest foods are available year round, your local grocer or specialty store has chosen Sept. 15 through Oct. 13 to celebrate Virginia agriculture.

The Virginia's Finest promotion involves producers as well as grocery stores and specialty retailers. Producers who have met the high quality standards of the program work closely with stores to display the Virginia's Finest logo with their products, or they may choose to include the logo in their own packaging. The prominent display of the Virginia's Finest logo helps customers find the very best of what Virginia has to offer.

Winn-Dixie stores have been displaying the Virginia's Finest logo with the products for the past several years.

"We intend to continue to be a strong supporter of Virginia products and the Virginia's Finest program," said Ivan Hardesty, Winn-Dixie marketing director. "Our customers shop for value and that's what Virginia's Finest represents. And, too, buying local products instills a sense of pride in the community."

Winn-Dixie's 33 stores can be found in central and southwest Virginia. A listing of additional grocery store participants in your area can found elsewhere in this publication.

Help celebrate Virginia agriculture by buying Virginia whenever and wherever you shop. And remember to look for the Virginia's Finest label!

by CNB