The winners of the 2021 European Private Label Awards have been announced, with retailers from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Portugal and the Baltic region taking the top honours across 14 award categories.
The Awards, which are organised by ESM: European Supermarket Magazine, celebrate excellence in store brand innovation, and are open to both retailers and suppliers operating in the European grocery industry.
Among this year's winners, Germany's REWE Group (in the Beverages – Non-Alcoholic and Convenience Foods/Food to Go categories), Rimi Baltic (Ambient Grocery and Free-From Foods) and Italian retailer Conad (Confectionery & Snacking and Meat & Seafood) each won two categories.
There were also solo category wins for SPAR Netherlands (Beverages – Alcoholic), Denmark's Salling Group (Dairy Products) and Lidl Denmark (Frozen Food), Finnish retailer Kesko (Non Food – Household) and Portugal's Pingo Doce (Non-Food – Personal Care).
In addition, for the first time this year, ESM launched three new cross-category awards, which honoured the 'best of the best' in terms of the three main judging pillars – the award for Innovative Product of The Year went to REWE Group, while the Packaging Excellence Award and the Taste Excellence Award were won by Conad.
Retailers from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Norway, The Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Hungary, Turkey, Ukraine and the Baltic states were named among the finalists.
"With the pandemic having altered shopping behaviour significantly over the past 12 months, the need for retailers to maintain a strong private label offering has never been as important," said Stephen Wynne-Jones, editor, ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
"The winners and finalists in this year's European Private Label Awards demonstrate why store brands continue to be a force to be reckoned with in European grocery, in many cases surpassing their branded counterparts.”
In addition, Trace One, the leading platform for connecting retailers and suppliers, has teamed up with ESM: European Supermarket Magazine to offer a special prize to all winners and finalists in this year's European Private Label Awards. For more information about Trace One, visit www.traceone.com.
The full list of winners and finalists in this year's competition can be found at www.privatelabelawards.com, as well as below.
ABOUT THE AWARDS
The European Private Label Awards were launched in 2017 to determine the most impactful and innovative private label brands on sale in Europe's supermarkets, and celebrate the 'best of the best' when it comes to store brand innovation right across Europe. The Awards are open to both retailers and suppliers.
As part of the judging process, judges are asked to assess each product in terms of three important metrics, Innovation, Presentation and Taste. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's Awards were assessed both in-person, by a local judging panel, as well as virtually, by an international team of experts.
ESM would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our expert team of judges, including André Michel and Malachy O'Connor, International Private Label Consult (IPLC); Hermann Sievers, SMK-Consult.com; Loe Limpens, Yellow Dress Retail; Valentine Bauret, Agro-Développement; Sebastiaan Schreijen, RaboResearch Food & Agri (FAR); Derek Reilly, Aramark; Valerie Rice, Valerie Rice Consulting; Jeanne Quigley, Irish Food Writers Guild; Emily Hourican, Hospitality Ireland; and Mark Kelly, ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
2021 EUROPEAN PRIVATE LABEL AWARDS WINNERS
AMBIENT GROCERY
WINNER
Product: Selection by Rimi Carrot Pesto
Retailer: Rimi Baltic
Supplier: Sancon Costa Ligure S.r.l
About The Product
Developed according to an authentic Italian recipe and presented in a 130g glass jar, Selection by Rimi Carrot Pesto is developed from fresh carrots (57%), sunflower oil and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (6%). A creamy texture makes it ideal for pasta, grilled chicken, or salads. The Selection by Rimi brand was developed to highlight and share quality traditional recipes that are passed down from generation to generation.
FINALISTS
Product: Anadolu Lezzetleri (Tastes of Anatolia) Amik Prairie Freekeh
Retailer: Migros Ticaret (Turkey)
Supplier: Teofarm Tarimsal Ürünleri̇ Üreti̇m Satiş
Product: Porsi Viva Bem 'Maritime' Crackers
Retailer: Intermarché Portugal
Supplier: Telhas Confeitaria
Product: Sapori&Idee Ragù di Carne di Chianina
Retailer: Conad (Italy)
Supplier: Le Bontà S.r.l.
BEVERAGES (ALCOHOLIC)
WINNER
Product: Bockbeer
Retailer: SPAR Netherlands
Supplier: Brouwerij het Meuleneind
About The Product
This is a lightly sweet bockbeer from SPAR Netherlands, with rich caramel and coffee notes, and a hint of pine. According to the retailer, within a few weeks of launch, this ruby-red craft beer had already received more than 200 positive reviews on the Untappd mobile app, which is aimed at beer enthusiasts. SPAR Netherlands has proven itself to be a strong contender when it comes to alcoholic beverages, having taken the top prize in this category for a remarkable third year in a row.
FINALISTS
Product: Nordic Craft Beer – Bio Spring Ale
Retailer: Lidl Denmark
Supplier: Bryggeriet Vestfyen A/S
Product: 11 Paralleli Bionda Non Filtrata
Retailer: Conad (Italy)
Supplier: Birc S.p.A.
Product: Nordic Craft Beer – Ginger Beer
Retailer: Lidl Denmark
Supplier: Bryggeriet Vestfyen A/S
BEVERAGES (NON-ALCOHOLIC)
WINNER
Product: REWE Beste Wahl Bee-Friendly Apple Juice
Retailer: REWE Group (Germany)
Supplier: Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG
About The Product
This naturally cloudy apple juice, which forms part of the REWE Best Wahl range, was created in cooperation with the OTOP non-governmental organisation, which ensures that production is carried out with an insect-friendly approach. The product features the motto 'Good things from the bee – good for the bee.’
FINALISTS
Product: Fruity Sparkling Water Range
Retailer: Système U (France)
Supplier: LSDH
Product: ICA Selection Lemonad Persika/Lime/Mynta
Retailer: ICA (Sweden)
Supplier: Kiviks Musteri AB
Product: Penny Best Moments Juice Advent Calendar
Retailer: Rewe Group (Germany)
Supplier: Jacoby GmbH
CONFECTIONERY & SNACKING
WINNER
Product: Sapori&Dintorni Crema al Pistacchio con 'Pistacchio Verde di Bronte DOP'
Retailer: Conad (Italy)
Supplier: Antichi Sapori dell'Etna S.r.l.
About The Product
This premium spread is produced from green pistachio sourced from Bronte, in Sicily, which is DOP certified and produced only at the foot of Mount Etna. The product is gluten-free and contains 45% pistachio, to give it a particular intensity, in terms of both flavour and texture. Conad's Sapori&Dintorni product range aims to showcase products developed from the finest raw materials that Italy has to offer.
FINALISTS
Product: Netto ØGO Organic Raw Bites
Retailer: Salling Group (Denmark)
Supplier: Artenay Bars S.A.S.
Product: Patatas Fritas Curcuma Y Pimienta
Retailer: Consum (Spain)
Supplier: Fritoper
Product: Sapori&Dintorni Panettone Basso Fichi Canditi e Gocce di Cioccolato
Retailer: Conad (Italy)
Supplier: Galup S.r.l.
CONVENIENCE FOODS/FOOD TO GO
WINNER
Product: REWE To Go Vegan Sushi Nanami
Retailer: REWE Group (Germany)
Supplier: Natsu Foods GmbH & Co. KG
About The Product
This vegan sushi, part of the REWE to Go range, resembles salmon – both visually and in terms of taste. Its secret lies in its ingredients – tapioca starch and glucose sourced from seaweed. The mixture of vegetable sashimi with traditional sushi rice makes this a delicious alternative for consumers who want to avoid seafood.
FINALISTS
Product: Grand Gout Soup
Retailer: Dagrofa (Denmark)
Supplier: Kildespring A/S
Product: Franprix Semolina And Vegetables
Retailer: Franprix (France)
Supplier: Les Plaisirs Du Midi
Product: WH Karl Johan Mushroom Soup
Retailer: Lidl Denmark
Supplier: Kildespring A/S
DAIRY PRODUCTS
WINNER
Product: Bilka/Føtex Princip Knas Matured Cheese
Retailer: Salling Group (Denmark)
Supplier: Løgismose Meyers
About The Product
Part of Salling Group's high-tier brand, Princip, and available in Bilka and Føtex stores across Denmark, this is an extra-hard cheese that is matured for 52 weeks. The cheese has a crunchy consistency and is ideal alongside salty and pickled side dishes. For added convenience, the bag is resealable.
FINALISTS
Product: Délisse UHT Creams
Retailer: E. Leclerc (France)
Supplier: LSDH
Product: Rewe Bio Caffè Latte
Retailer: Rewe Group (Germany)
Supplier: Molkerei Gropper
Product: Viejo de Oveja Manchego Cheese
Retailer: Consum (Spain)
Supplier: Lactalis
FREE-FROM FOODS
WINNER
Product: Rimi Pumpkin Seed Flour
Retailer: Rimi Baltic
Supplier: Młyn Niedźwiady Sp z o.o. Sp.k.
About The Product
This pumpkin seed flour is a part of Rimi Baltic's gluten-free flour line, and it is high in dietary fibre and protein. It is notable for its taste, colour and aroma of freshly-ground pumpkin seeds, and is ideal for use in smoothies. No additives, flavourings and artificial colourings are used in this product.
FINALISTS
Product: Coop Pea Bologne Veg Dag (Vegan Pea Bolognese)
Retailer: Coop Norge (Norway)
Supplier: Gronko Sweden
Product: ICA Selection Vegansk bönröra (Vegan Bean Dip)
Retailer: ICA (Sweden)
Supplier: Jesses Deli AB
Product: Penny Food For Future Frozen Rice Nuggets
Retailer: REWE Group (Germany)
Supplier: Vossko
FROZEN FOOD
WINNER
Product: WH Økologisk Kokossorbet
Retailer: Lidl Denmark
Supplier: Jacob & Jakob Icecream
About The Product
This coconut sorbet, which is part of Lidl Denmark's WH Økologisk (WH Organic) range, was developed by the discounter in association with Michelin-starred chef Wassim Hallal, and contains 60% coconut milk and 4% coconut, making it especially creamy. The single-serve pack features a small spoon in the lid, making it enjoyable on the go.
FINALISTS
Product: Pingo Doce Dairy-Free Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Retailer: Pingo Doce (Portugal)
Supplier: Pingo Doce Distribuição Alimentar SA
Product: Rewe Bio Frozen Edamame
Retailer: Rewe Group (Germany)
Supplier: Öko Service GmbH
Product: Salling Take-Away Garlic Flatbread
Retailer: Salling Group (Denmark)
Supplier: Freiberger Lebensmittel Gmbh & Co
MEAT & SEAFOOD
WINNER
Product: Sapori&Idee Conad Polpo Intero Pronto Da Gustare
Retailer: Conad (Italy)
Supplier: Angulas Aguinaga S.A.U.
About The Product
Sapori&Idee Conad Polpo Intero Pronto Da Gustare is a premium quality Octopus Vulgaris, pre-cooked with salt, while laurel leaves are added to highlight its taste and tenderness. The high quality of the product is preserved by its 'skin pack' packaging, meaning that all organoleptic properties and flavours are maintained.
FINALISTS
Product: Coop Laks 1-2-3 Thyme/Rosemary
Retailer: Coop Norge
Supplier: Coast Seafood
Product: Regnum Spicy Beef Steak Tartare
Retailer: SPAR Hungary
Supplier: Terra Pannonia Ltd
Product: Sapori&Idee Conad Arrosto Di Pollo Come Una Volta
Retailer: Conad (Italy)
Supplier: Carnj S.C.A.
NON-FOOD (HOUSEHOLD)
WINNER
Product: Pirkka Ecological Cleaning Range
Retailer: Kesko (Finland)
Supplier: Nopa Nordic
About The Product
Kesko's new ecological and natural cleaning product range has been awarded with the Ecocert and the Nordic Swan certificates, affirming that the products meet strict environmental criteria. Some 99.9% of ingredients are from natural sources, and the bottles are produced from recycled plastic. The visual look of the packaging has been created together with a famous Finnish fashion label, Ivana Helsinki, with the pattern designed by artist Paola Suhonen.
FINALISTS
Product: Blink Naturelle 'Made by Nature' Range
Retailer: Müller (Germany)
Supplier: Nopa Nordic
Product: Fairtrade Organic Shopper
Retailer: Spar Netherlands
Supplier: Pure Jute
Product: Friegasuelos Aloe Vera Monodosis
Retailer: Consum (Spain)
Supplier: McBride
NON-FOOD (PERSONAL CARE)
WINNER
Product: Be Beauty – Face Cream Blue Light Protection
Retailer: Pingo Doce (Portugal)
Supplier: Pingo Doce Distribuição Alimentar SA.
About This Product
Part of Pingo Doce's Be Beauty range, this face cream protects the skin against photoaging, which is caused by light emitted by computers, tablets and smartphones. It contains patented ingredients including EnergiNius and Gatuline Radiance, which moisturise, illuminate and restore the skin.
FINALISTS
Product: Cien Sensitive Personal Care Range
Retailer: Lidl
Supplier: Nopa Nordic
Product: Danöl Milt Shower Gel
Retailer: Danöl (Iceland)
Supplier: Nopa Nordic
Product: Genetic Lab Gen 63 Lift Genesis
Retailer: EVA (Ukraine)
Supplier: Ningbo Multi Channel Co Ltd.
BEST OF THE BEST
For the first time this year, ESM is launching three new cross-category awards, which honour the 'best of the best' in terms of the three main judging pillars: Innovative Product of The Year, the Packaging Excellence Award, and the Taste Excellence Award.
Innovative Product Of The Year
Product: REWE To Go Vegan Sushi Nanami
Retailer: REWE Group (Germany)
Supplier: Natsu Foods GmbH & Co. KG
Offering sushi with a difference, this vegan product from Germany's REWE Group was deemed the most innovative in this year's competition, ticking all the boxes when it comes to convenience, healthy eating, and demand for vegetarian and vegan options.
Packaging Excellence Award
Product: Sapori&Idee Conad Polpo Intero Pronto Da Gustare
Retailer: Conad (Italy)
Supplier: Angulas Aguinaga S.A.U.
Presentation is key in retail, and Conad's pre-packed octopus was the winner of the Packaging Excellence Award in this year's competition, with the ‘skin-pack’ packaging showcasing the natural qualities of the product, as well as packing in the flavour.
Taste Excellence Award
Product: Sapori&Dintorni Crema al Pistacchio con 'Pistacchio Verde di Bronte DOP'
Retailer: Conad (Italy)
Supplier: Antichi Sapori dell'Etna S.r.l.
Confectionery spreads are a growing category in retail, and Conad has raised the bar with its pistachio-infused offering, which features ingredients sourced from the foot of Mount Etna. Part of the Sapori&Dintorni range, this product scored highly among the judges and was a worthy winner of this year's Taste Excellence Award.
FURTHER INFORMATION
About the European Private Label Awards
With private-label market share at an all-time high across Europe, ESM: European Supermarket Magazine developed the European Private Label Awards in 2017 to acknowledge excellence in this dynamic industry. The European Private Label Awards are open to retailers all across Europe, as well as suppliers serving the European grocery sector with private label products.
For more information, or for details on how to enter the European Private Label Awards, visit www.privatelabelawards.com
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
