The Award winners, with the judges’ comments, are:
- QV Foods & Fresh Approach Produce Independent Retailer of the Year: The Naked Grocer - for providing exceptional customer service and successfully becoming a mainstay within the Walton upon Thames community
- QV Foods & Fresh Approach Produce Convenience Retailer of the Year: Budgens - Musgrave Retail Partners GB - for implementing a fresh ‘modern greengrocer’ strategy to stay ahead of its competitors
- QV Foods Multiple Retailer of the Year: Wm Morrisons Supermarkets Plc - for putting fresh produce at the centre of its growth strategy and building on impressive fresh produce trial store to develop new ideas
Re:fresh - best ever yet, say delegates
The Re:fresh Conference was a resounding success thanks to a great line-up of speakers who spurred delegates to engage in a lively debate on the current state of the industry and how we can face up to challenges together.
Defra Minister James Paice opened the Conference by stating the importance of the fresh produce industry, recognising the wholesale sector as a market for UK growers to develop further. He talked about the need for Defra and other Government departments to remove red tape and stop gold plating EU legislation. He also touched on future challenges of sustainability, with the need to balance food production with managing our water resources and protecting the environment.
Nigel Jenney challenged the Minister for the UK Government’s lack of focus on specific issues relating to our industry, particularly increasing costs for plant health inspections.
Nigel Harris and Gary Marshall spoke about their passion for the wholesale markets and food services, and delegates debated how retailers could help the supply chain more with timely promotions. Peter Durose asked whether the time for brands had arrived, and Jane Speakman talked about Morrisons sourcing strategy. Jan Matthews set out the challenges and logistics of supplying the London 2012 Olympics, sharing her enthusiasm to make London 2012 a lasting legacy
