The award recognises a retailer, supplier and/or manufacturer that has done the most to capture the imagination, earn the admiration, and win the loyalty and business of shoppers. In a highly competitive category, Community Shop has been shortlisted alongside Aldi, Coca-Cola, Hello Fresh and Sainsbury’s.
The judges were evidently impressed with Community Shop’s objectives, together with the evidence of its success to date. Community Shop redistributes surplus food from the supply chain and makes it available at heavily discounted prices to those living in areas of deprivation and experiencing in work poverty. But it is not just access to discounted food that makes Community Shop stand out. Members of the store also benefit from access to its Community Hub, which provides free, tailored support, courses and mentoring, to help people address some of the issues that are causing them to struggle.
The Grocer Gold Awards have grown to become one of the most coveted awards in the food and drink industry over recent years, recognising the very best standards in grocery retail, and rewarding the highest levels of service, initiative and commitment. Company Shop won ‘Best Business Initiative’ at last year’s ceremony.
As well the Grocer shortlisting the team are also eagerly anticipating the results of the BBC Food and Farming Awards, where the company has been shortlisted in the ‘Best Initiative in British Food’ category. The winners of this will be announced at a ceremony held in Bristol on Thursday 1 May, with highlights from the event being broadcast on BBC Radio 4’s Food Programme over 5-6 May.
John Marren, Chairman of Company Shop, said: