The Irish supermarket Supervalu in Clonakilty, County Cork was recognised for its outstanding contribution to fresh food at Checkout Magazine’s “Best in Fresh” awards yesterday. The Clonakilty store picked up the Excellence in Fresh Food (Large Supermarket) Award at the event in Dublin. The Awards, which sees hundreds of stores across Ireland audited by independent judges, is sponsored and supported by the country’s leading fresh food supplier, Glanbia Consumer Foods.
Aldi Stores Ireland collected the Award for Excellence in Fresh Food Retailing In A Discount Store while the Tesco store in Merrion, Dublin collected two Awards: Excellence In Fresh Food Retailing (Multiple Retailer) and Best Value For Money (Fresh Food Offering). Now in its sixth year, the Best in Fresh awards were established to recognisestores and outlets with the freshest food offering in Ireland. Across 20 categories, Ireland’s most innovative
{loadposition user99} multiples, independent supermarkets, convenience stores, and forecourts, compete for the prestigious accolades. Each entry was assessed across a number of key criteria, including overall freshness, range of offer, management and display of food in-store, traceability, and service and advice in-store.
“The last twelve months have shown that despite the current economic climate, consumers are still looking for high quality Irish food, said Robert Jordan, Marketing Manager at Glanbia Consumer Foods. “It is fitting that we are here to celebrate retailers who have put fresh at the heart of their offering. It helps stores distinguish themselves from their competition and ensure the loyalty of their customers.” John Ruddy of Checkout Magazine added: "In what is a hugely difficult economic climate, Irish retailers have been placed under significant pressure to deliver better value to their customers. What is refreshing to see, however, is that the winners and finalists in the Best in Fresh Awards have refused to take part in a race to the bottom, and are offering both great value and superb fresh food offerings. It is the retailers who are refusing to compromise on standards and excellence, especially in a fresh food context, that are differentiating themselves from the competition and remaining relevant to today's shopper.” (20 July)
© 2011 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine
