MANCHESTER, UK, 2014-11-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Co-operative Food is delighted to have been named the UK’s number one ‘Convenience Store Pizza Retailer’ of the year at the Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Association (PAPA) 2014 Awards.
Celebrating the best Italian Food industry, the prestigious accolade marks a successful year since the retailer re-launched its entire own-brand range of pizzas to create restaurant and takeaway-quality pizzas right on the doorstep, at a fraction of the cost.
Inspired by from authentic delicatessens found across Italy, The Co-operative’s pizza range introduced innovative new recipes, delicious new bases and exciting new toppings including an exclusive ‘signature’ tomato sauce base used across its entire range – from Simply Value to its premium Truly Irresistible tier. Additionally, all Truly Irresistible pizzas feature authentic stonebaked bases made from a fermented sourdough recipe, which, for the first time, is hand stretched into traditional oblong shapes.
The retailer’s NEW Truly Irresistible Limited Edition Coppa Ham, Gorgonzola and Fig (490g, £4.50) also picked up the award for the most indulgent pizza for its delicious toppings of rich cured Coppa pork with strong, tangy Italian blue cheese, sweet fig chutney and mozzarella petals.
This successful re-launch was part of The Co-operative’s investment to become the number one convenience retailer delivering delicious food conveniently, with an increased focus on using 100% British* meat and poultry, and great quality ingredients.
Helen Cave, The Co-operative Pizza Buyer, said:
“We travelled across Italy – from Rome to Naples – to discover the art of creating an inspirational and authentic range and it’s great to be recognised in this way, and our shoppers love them too. We love coming up with delicious and exciting flavour combinations, which includes our latest Truly Irresistible Coppa Ham, Gorgonzola and Fig Chutney Pizza – definitely something indulgent for your Saturday night in!”
The Co-operative Food also scooped three prestigious medals for its delicious own-brand products at the Quality Food Awards 2014.
Celebrating Britain’s greatest food and drink producers from around the country, the awards attract entrants from the UK’s leading supermarkets, and recognise food and drink products on sale in UK grocery outlets. They reward great flavours, high-quality ingredients, excellent value and outstanding packaging.
The awards included The Co-operative’s premium Truly Irresistible Biscuits for Cheese (300g, £3.00), which won its’ category. The pack, which offers a choice of innovative and delicious flavours is expected to be a big hit with shoppers this Christmas.
Additionally, the retailer’s Truly Irresistible Cobbler Topped Beef in Ale Casserole (400g, £3.79) – Marinated cooked British beef in a Ruddles Ale gravy with roasted mushrooms, diced carrots and topped with two cheese cobblers – and Loved by us Hot Smoked Salmon Salad (250g, £3.00) – baby potatoes tossed in a lemon and caper mayonnaise dressing, topped with flakes of Scottish farmed hot smoked salmon, cucumber, peppery watercress, spring onion and a wedge of lemon, also won its categories.
In addition, 11 other of The Co-operative’s own-brand products were highly commended and commended including the retailer’s London Dry Gin (70cl, £11.99).
For further details of The Co-operative Food’s product range, deals and local stores, shoppers can visit www.co-operativefood.co.uk or contact The Co-operative Customer Careline on (freephone) 0800 0686 727.
For further information:
samples and images, please contact:
Lauren Chambers, Public Relations Officer, The Co-operative Group
Tel: 0161 767 4290 Email: Lauren.chambers@co-operative.coop
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