Iowa Cheers Renewable Fuel Champions - Hy-Vee and Reif Oil

By Andi Anderson

The Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, recently presented the 2024 Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards to two deserving companies: Hy-Vee and Reif Oil Company. These awards recognize businesses that have made significant contributions to promoting and selling renewable fuels within the state. 

Hy-Vee Takes Home the Ethanol Marketing Award: 

Hy-Vee, a prominent Iowa-based grocer and convenience store chain, has been a longstanding champion of ethanol. They began selling ethanol products in 1997 and have steadily expanded their offerings ever since. Today, Hy-Vee boasts 191 Fast & Fresh stores across eight Midwestern states, all of which sell ethanol blended fuels. In Iowa alone, 21 Hy-Vee stations offer E85, and 18 offer E15. 

Hy-Vee's commitment to renewable fuels is evident in their participation in various programs like the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program and the USDA Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). These programs provide financial assistance to retailers who invest in infrastructure for dispensing higher ethanol blends. 

Reif Oil Company Wins the Biodiesel Marketing Award 

Reif Oil Company, headquartered in Burlington, Iowa, has been a major player in the biodiesel market since its founding in 1978. They offer a variety of biodiesel blends at their Fast Break convenience stores and supply biodiesel to their dealer network throughout the Midwest. 

Reif Oil is particularly proud of their seasonal biodiesel blends of up to B20, which they offer to customers in Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. They have also invested in on-site and off-site blending facilities to further expand their biodiesel offerings. 

A Thriving Renewable Fuels Industry in Iowa 

The recognition of Hy-Vee and Reif Oil Company highlights the strength and potential of Iowa's renewable fuels industry. Iowa is the nation's leader in both ethanol and biodiesel production and boasts the first-ever E15 standard. The industry contributes significantly to the state's economy, generating billions of dollars in GDP and supporting tens of thousands of jobs. 

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship plays a crucial role in supporting the growth of the renewable fuels industry through its Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program. This program provides financial assistance to retailers who invest in infrastructure for dispensing higher ethanol blends and biodiesel.    

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