It has been another busy season of award wins for SPAR UK, with the partner taking home a number of prestigious prizes at the Retail Industry Awards and the Local Shop Quality Food & Drink Awards recently.

Symbol Group of the Year

It was a brilliant evening for SPAR UK at the highly regarded Retail Industry Awards, with the partner walking away with 14 prestigious awards including the top prize of Symbol/Fascia Group of the Year.

SPAR emerged as the clear winner this year, with what one judge described as a “fantastic performance” throughout the 12-month period. The group was commended for its all-round retailer support, co-investment schemes and training academies.

One judge said: “They are looking ahead and investing for the future, but at the same time delivering for today.”

SPAR UK was praised for the way it’s been able to adapt its offer to suit various formats, including forecourts, where it is now the largest single operator in the UK. “That’s the most impressive thing for me,” said one judge.

Debbie Robinson, SPAR UK Managing Director said: “The Retail Industry Awards is a great occasion to celebrate independent retailing. We are immensely proud of our award-winning stores, people and SPAR Brand products.  These are outstanding achievements and we are delighted to be recognised by our peers in the industry as leaders in exceptional quality, modernity and entrepreneurialism. I would like to thank every SPAR store for their continued support.”

SPAR UK Own Brand awards                 

SPAR UK’s Own Brand range triumphed at the Local Shop Quality Food & Drink Awards, scooping 25 category awards, taking the Wholesaler of the Year award and picking up the overall best-in-class Gold Q winner’s trophy.

The overall Gold Q award was given for the SPAR Cottage Pie ready meal, with SPAR also winning the Christmas Gold Q for its SPAR Mini Mince Pies and the Innovation Gold Q for its SPAR Mini Carrot Snack Bag. SPAR also won five category awards in the Local Shop Quality Drink Awards including the SPAR Marquis Belrive Champagne.

David Shrimpton, Editor of Independent Retail News, said: “Own brand is becoming increasingly important to UK consumers and it is good to see the independent convenience sector stepping up to the plate.”