Go Local retailers from across the UK gathered in Manchester to celebrate the industry and celebrate the best in convenience retail at the wholesaler’s annual Retailer Awards.
A commitment to serving the community, digital innovation and retailing excellence were recognised as part of the event. Judges noted the high standard of entries from across the UK.
The regional winners on the night included Kajan Thayalan of Mossbay Convenience in Workington (North West winner), Mr R Pooni of Mill Lane Go Local Extra in Billingham (North East winner), Andy Robinson of Summer Lane Stores in Wombwell (Yorkshire & the Humber), Mohammed Nazir of Go Local Extra in Yardley (Midlands), and Paul Edwards from Edwards of Oxton Go Local Extra (North Wales and Wirral).
Andy Campbell of Hursthead Convenience Go Local Extra in Cheadle was awarded the Retail Execution of the Year, and Amit Patel of Go Local Sandiacre News in Nottingham was named Digital Retailer of the Year.
The prestigious Best Newcomer award went to Mr Vivekananthan Nallavairan and Mrs Kokilavathani Vivekananthan of The Local VKD Food and Wine in Thornton, Lancashire. While the Most Improved Store went to Mrs Uma Patel of Go Local Tong Street in Bradford.
Guy Swindell, joint managing director of Parfetts, commented on the awards: “Our awards continue to grow from year to year, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to gather our retailers and celebrate the industry. The bar rises every year for retailers and suppliers alike, and we’re proud to do our bit in supporting everyone to achieve their goals.
“In the last 12 months, we hit a record turnover, opened a new depot in Birmingham and welcomed more retailers to Go Local than ever before. Collectively, we have a lot to be proud of, and I’m thankful we can take this time to recognise the effort that our team members, retailers and suppliers have made.”
The awards also recognised innovative and retailer-focused suppliers. Diageo won Go Local NPD of the Year – licenced for Smirnoff Cherry. Since its launch in June 2023, Smirnoff Cherry has become the second best-selling flavoured Vodka in both volume and value at Parfetts.
The Go Local NPD of the Year – Non-Licenced went to Pladis for McVities Billion Bars, which launched as a wholesale exclusive in March with a PMP and full launch through Go Local and digital channels. The campaign added 10% to Pladis’ turnover at Parfetts.
Budweiser Brewing Group was named Retail Store and Digital Activation of the Year – Licenced for the Corona Summer Island campaign. While Red Bull won Retail Store and Digital Activation of the Year – Non-Licenced for Juneberry.
Own Label Supplier of the Year Licenced was awarded to Aston Manor for Lancer. The product received great support with excellent availability throughout the year, which helped to deliver strong growth year on year, making Lancer one of the biggest Cider brands for Go Local.
Cakes & Dreams won Own Label Supplier of the Year Non-Licenced, while Nadeem Akhtar from Molson Coors was named Most Engaged Account Manager Licenced. The Most Engaged Account Manager Non-Licenced was awarded to Dave Eastcott from Nestle Purina.
Budweiser Brewing Group was awarded Go Local Supplier Of the Year Licenced for a strong performance in all areas of the business. The Go Local Supplier of the Year Non-Licenced went to Suntory Beverages & Food GB&I.
Depot Takeover of the Year – Licenced was awarded to Heineken for Birra Moretti thanks to bold displays that delivered notable sales. The promotion was supported by free pizza for customers.
Depot Takeover of the Year – Non-Licenced went to PepsiCo Walkers for Doritos. The Burger King Whopper Doritos mixed innovation with activation for a memorable launch.
The event saw over 450 retailers and suppliers celebrate the best of the independent convenience sector.
Parfetts operates the fast-growing Go Local and The Local fascias with over 1,200 stores and one of the largest retail clubs with over 5,000 members. It operates across the North, Midlands and Wales through a national logistics network, digital channels and eight wholesale depots.
Pictured: Best Newcomer, Mr Vivekananthan Nallavairan and Mrs Kokilavathani Vivekananthan of The Local VKD food and wine in Thornton, Lancashire.
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