Lidl Ireland has been named ‘Retailer of the Year’ for the first time at the annual Irish Quality Food Awards. The discounter also secured a record 104 award medals at this year’s event, including 29 gold, 35 silver and 40 bronze medals.
The awards recognise excellence in product development for food and drink producers, retailers and manufacturers across Ireland.
Lidl also secured the ‘Drinks Retailer of the Year’ and ‘Private Label Range of the Year’ award and took home gold for its Deluxe Irish Cream Liqueur and Bitterol Aperitif, as well as medals for its spirits range.
Key products that secured medals included a number of Lidl’s beef steaks, including its Deluxe Irish 32 Day Aged and 30 Day Aged Angus Striploin Steaks. New to Lidl’s everyday range, its private-label sushi was awarded four gold medals.
Kevin Duffy, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, commented: “Being awarded ‘Retailer of the Year’ at this year’s Irish Quality Food Awards is an incredible milestone and achievement for us at Lidl Ireland. It is a testament to the incredible work of our team who work hard behind the scenes to bring Lidl customers the highest quality products at the best possible prices.”
NAM Implications:
- Not bad for a ‘mere’ discounter.
- Given the discounters’ combined growth record in Ireland and the UK…
- …it is key that branded suppliers have to find ways of trading therein.
- Or perhaps brands are awaiting the maturity of Retail Media…
- …a place where discounters will have difficulty in following.
