Welcome to the Maine Grocers Association.  The Maine Grocers Association is the statewide membership organization formed to represent the interests of Maine’s retail and wholesale grocery industry.  Formed in 1935, the MGA’s membership includes grocery stores and supermarkets, wholesalers, distributors, and suppliers committed to providing Maine citizens with the highest quality products.

Maine Grocers Association Announces Annual Awards

Troy Plummer Named 2011 Grocer of the Year

The Maine Grocers Association is pleased to announce Troy Plummer, Plummer’s Supermarkets, 2011 Grocer of the Year.  The Plummer Family has owned and operated Plummer’s Supermarket since the 1930’s.  The store was opened by Troy’s great grandfather, P.W. Plummer in Hollis and then moved to the Buxton location in the 1960’s.  The store is owned and operated by several members of the Plummer family including Troy’s mother Joan, his wife Cindy, brother Garrett, cousin Christopher Sanborn, and when not in school, daughters Jillene and Janessa. As the neighborhood grocery store, they are known for their community service.  They take great pride in knowing their customers, many of whom have been loyal customers for many generations.  They are well known for their excellent meat products, attracting customers from the surrounding communities.   In 2010, Plummer’s embraced the Maine Grocers Association’s Got Your Bags? Maine program, and was the first grocery retailer to stencil their driveway with a Got Your Bags? Maine logo reminder.  The Plummer’s have implemented technology and social media as a means to promote not only their grocery business, but their three family owned hardware stores and gas station.  Troy served on the Maine Grocers Association Board of Directors for many years and as President from 2009 – 2011.  “During his tenure as President, the Association has advanced its presence at the Maine State Legislature.  Troy lead efforts to improve the Association’s overall net income and update communication tools, including an electronic newsletter, updated website, and an enhanced Food Industry Directory & Resource Guide.  He has also guided the Association to further its partnership with the Maine Food Producers Alliance. Troy demonstrates a high degree of professionalism, leadership, and dedication to the grocery industry; he is greatly valued and appreciated by his colleagues, “ said Mike Violette, Vice President of Sales, Associated Grocers of New England and MGA Board member.

Pine State Beverage Company Named 2011 Vendor of the Year

Pine State Beverage Company is Vendor of the Year. Charles F. Canning, Sr. started Pine State Trading Co., in a rented garage in Augusta in 1940.  Over the next 15 years, the company’s growth necessitated physical expansions in Augusta and the establishment of the Malt Beverage Division and Vending Division.  Under Mr. Canning’s leadership, he and his family invested heavily in infrastructure and personnel to advance their commitment to serving Maine’s vibrant convenience and grocery industry.  Nearly sixty years later, Pine State Beverage Co., a division of Pine State Trading Co. is one of Maine’s top employers and a leader in marketing and distribution of beverage products in Maine and throughout New England.   Today, the family tradition continues under the leadership of managing partners Gena Canning, Keith Canning and Nick Alberding, who carry out their grandfather’s legacy of business excellence and commitment to community service, with a special focus on today’s youth.  Pine State Beverage Co. was selected for this award because “their employees go the extra mile with reactive, decisive, beneficial experience that has enhanced and grown all aspects of beverage sales to include; beer, wine, soda, water and juice. This company takes great strides in showing care, interest and understanding in stores, every step along the way.” Keith and his sister Gena Canning each served on the Maine Grocers Association Board of Directors for many years turning over that responsibility to Bob Cooper in 2010.   Pine State Beverage Co. employees clearly demonstrate a commitment to excellence and professionalism as they dedicate their resources to helping Maine’s grocery and convenience store owners.

Shannon Bissonnette Named 2011 Producer of the Year

Shannon Bissonnette, Better Than Average, LLC. Jams, Jellies and Sauces is Food Producer of the Year.  Up and coming, Better Than Average, LLC. Jams, Jellies and Sauces, is a three year old company started by owner and Chef Shannon Bissonnette.  Shannon started making jams and jellies from local ingredients and no preservatives, for her two children and selling them at local fairs, farm stands and small shops.  In 2010, she opened her processing facility in Mechanic Falls where today she makes 19 different jams, jellies and sauces for sale online and in over 70 retail locations. Shannon, a member of the Maine Food Producers Alliance since 2010, typically sells 400 cases of her products at the Fryeburg Fair!  This year, while gearing up for the fair, Shannon received recognition as a rising entrepreneur, for her appealing product and branding, by being selected to contribute 800 jars of Apple Maple and Blueberry Rhubarb jams for the 2011 Emmy Awards gift bags. Shannon is devoted to her family, who she credits with encouraging her along the way.  Her mission is to provide the best products and service to her customers.  She is dedicated to making her “homemade goodies with gourmet quality” in small batches with fresh, from the farm ingredients – “It’s better than average!”

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