On February 28th, the Hirosaki market ``Niji no Mart'' was selected for the ``Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award'' at the ``33rd Awards for Excellent Management Food Retail Stores, etc.''.

The Food Distribution Rationalization Promotion Organization, a public interest incorporated association, has been conducting this project since 1977 targeting groups such as retail stores and shopping districts nationwide. Recognize companies. This is the first time that Hirosaki City has received the award, and the first in Aomori Prefecture in about 30 years.

Niji no Mart is a general food market that has been in operation since 1956 (Showa 31), and currently has 23 shops selling fresh foods, side dishes, bread, flowers, and more. It is popular as the kitchen of the locals, and its location in front of Hirosaki Station has helped it attract tourists.

This year, applications were received from approximately 70 companies and organizations from all over the country, and the top three organizations were selected for the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award. "Niji no Mart" has been praised for its strong foundation for cooperation across the entire market, its growing customer base of people in their 20s and 30s, its segregated living environment with nearby large-scale commercial facilities, and its collaboration with public institutions. Ta.

Daitoyo Hamada of Ikiki Ichiba, which operates Niji no Mart, said, ``I'm glad that our new initiatives, such as face-to-face sales and challenging store openings, which we have been doing for a long time, have been well received.We are grateful to the local customers who regularly visit Niji no Mart and to Niji no Mart. Thanks to everyone involved," he says with a smile.