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September 2005
A Turkey crown for Asda
Asda has scooped the coveted British Turkey Retailer of the Year title at this year’s British Turkey Awards. Its huge and varied range and the pro-active stance in promoting British Turkey clinched the win after beating off tough competition from the other major multiples.
An independent panel of judges were impressed by the ready availability of convenience products and also commented on how manufacturers and retailers are listening to the demands of single people and smaller family units.
Announcing the winners at the British Turkey annual awards, chair of judges Mitzie Wilson, Editor of Delicious Magazine, said: “We could only choose one overall winner. But all the retailers should be credited for the effort they are making to encourage consumers to buy and enjoy turkey all year round with the variety of their ranges, bright, clear packaging and vision in stocking innovative lines.”
Asda was presented with a crystal trophy by comedian Rory Bremner and Kim Burgess, chairman of the British Turkey Sector’s Publicity and Marketing Committee, in front of 170 guests and VIPs at Claridge’s, London.
Winners of the 13 categories were announced from a total of over 100 entries.
These ranged from Tikka Turkey Marinades and Turkey Sausage Lattice – two Bernard Matthews products highlighted for the proactive new uses of turkey in the Best Branded Category (won by Tikka Turkey Marinades) – to the more traditional birds in the Best Whole Product category - Waitrose Free Range Lincolnshire Turkey was the winner here and stood out for the informative farm information on the packaging, a perfect size as an alternative to Sunday roast chicken and great value for money.
A newly formed category – Best Primary Cuts – was included this year as more and more consumers prefer a turkey roast on a regular basis without being daunted by leftovers. Kelly Bronze Turkey Crown was the undisputed winner as all the judges kept going back to nibble a little more!
The Best Accompaniment category really had the judges spoiled for choice largely due to the diversity of products available. After much deliberation the judges decided that there should be two winners – a new Premium Chilled Cranberry Sauce from Ocean Spray and Shropshire Spice Gourmet Orange and Cranberry Stuffing.
Marks & Spencer scored a first win in the Best Added Value Product – Christmas category, with ‘Ultimate Turkey’ Oven Ready Whole Fresh Turkey with Bacon Garnish’ which the judges said ‘would sell like hot cakes’
Andrew Lewins, Vice Chairman, British Turkey Sector Group, highlighted the global changes taking place within the industry and the knock on effect the sourcing of turkey meat overseas could have on the domestic market. He emphasised the point of difference the QBT standard guarantees and the need to get across the message that British Turkey is a food that the public can trust.
The QBT standard encompasses every aspect of bird welfare, traceability and food safety from the hatchery to final processing. The QBT standard, which was launched in 1999, requires all farmers and producers seeking accreditation to undergo inspections at all sites where turkey is reared or processed.
Burgess added: “Once again it’s so reassuring to see the enthusiasm with which retailers have supported the awards, which are going from strength to strength reflecting the popularity of turkey in all shapes and sizes as well as being available in the market place all year round.
“For the third year running we have linked with the children’s medical charity SPARKS, and last year were able to present them with a cheque for £6,000. We aim to at least match this figure this year.”
For a complete list of the winners, click here.
For pictures, please email emma@fml-pr.co.uk.