SPAR Select Vintage Irish Cheddar was named as the winner in the Dairy Products category in the 2023 European Private Label Awards, which celebrate excellence in store-brand innovation.
Overall, a total of 16 different retailers hailing from nine European countries have been named as winners in the 2023 European Private Label Awards.
The Awards are hosted by Checkout's sister magazine ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
This year's winners include ABBI Holding (Italy), Albert Heijn/Etos (Netherlands), Aldi France, Aldi Italia, BWG Foods/SPAR Ireland, Conad (Italy), Consum (Spain), Coop (Italy), Coop Trading (Denmark), Desarrollo de Marcas/Euromadi (Spain), Lidl Denmark, Migros Ticaret (Turkey), Pingo Doce (Portugal), REWE Group (Germany) and Salling Group (Denmark).
Awards were presented in 17 grocery categories, as well as four cross-category 'Best of the Best' Awards: Innovative Product of The Year, Packaging Excellence Award, Sustainable Product of the Year and Taste Excellence Award.
"Amidst a growing cost-of-living crisis, increased numbers of consumers are turning to private label to save money, discovering products that exceed the standards they are used to in a particular category,” 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."
2023 Winners
Ambient Grocery
WINNER
Product: Crema Spalmabile al Pistacchio
Retailer: Aldi Italy
Manufacturer: Antichi Sapori dell’Etna S.r.l.
The humble pistachio has come a long way since the Arabs first introduced Pistacia terebinthus to Sicily, back in the eighth century. Pistachios from Sicily are regarded as among the sweetest and finest on Earth, and they have been transformed by Aldi Italy into this Bronte PDO green pistachio cream – a healthy and delicious alternative to other confectionery creams. The judges described this as an “indulgent” product, which boasted an “exceptional” and “delicious” taste, while praising its “innovative” sourcing credentials.
FINALISTS
Product: Pirkka Parhaat Pizza Fish in Rapeseed Oil
Retailer: Kesko
Manufacturer: Pielisen Kalajaloste Oy
Product: Deleitum Anchovies in Olive Oil
Retailer: Desarrollo de Marcas/Euromadi
Manufacturer: Consorcio Español Conservero, SA
Product: Pane Guttiau (Sardinian Carasau Flatbread)
Retailer: ABBI Holding
Manufacturer: La Rosa dei Gusti
Beverages (Alcoholic)
WINNER
Product: Birra 11 Paralleli Italian Pale Ale
Retailer: Conad
Manufacturer: Target 2000 S.p.A.
This Italian IPA is described by the retailer as a ‘journey into the most authentic flavours of Italy’. It is produced using 100% Italian barley and hops, from Romagna. The name comes from the fact that Italy is covered by 11 parallels, which encompass all the different Italian flavours and tastes. The judges said that this product had an “excellent taste”, while praising its “clean” and “stylish” packaging.
FINALISTS
Product: Coop Vermouth Bianco
Retailer: Coop Italia
Manufacturer: Dilmoor/Break Packaging Design
Product: WOW Syrah/WOW Riesling
Retailer: REMA 1000
Manufacturer: Globus Wine
Product: Start-Up Beer – Pale Ale
Retailer: Gorillas
Manufacturer: Themakers.ai GmbH
Beverages (Non-Alcoholic)
WINNER
Product: Fru Swing – Mirtillo, Papaya, Ananas, Mela
Retailer: Coop Italia
Manufacturer: Macè S.r.l./Break Packaging Design
Fru Swing is a new brand from Coop Italia, characterised by the high quantity of fruit present in each product. This blueberry, papaya, pineapple and apple juice is made from 100% fruit and vegetables, and retains its goodness through the use of cold-press technology. The judges praised the “fresh” taste of this product, as well as the “innovative” use of cold-pressed technology to enhance its “good, round flavour.” They also hailed the use of recycled packaging.
FINALISTS
Product: REWE To Go Kirschblütentee
Retailer: REWE Group
Manufacturer: AMC Deutschland GmbH
Product: Aldi Organic Ginger Juice
Retailer: Aldi Belgium
Manufacturer: Bee&Cee B.V.
Product: Bio Primo Bioland Apple Schorle DPG 500ml
Retailer: Müller
Manufacturer: ESH GmbH
Breakfast Products
WINNER
Product: Anadolu Lezzetleri Mardin Pastry with Dates
Retailer: Migros Ticaret
Manufacturer: Tafe Gida Mad.san.ve Ti̇c.a.ş
Also known as kiliçe and ekliçe, Anadolu Lezzetleri Mardin Pastry with Dates is made with almonds and spices, and part of a centuries-old tradition in Türkiye. It is baked using traditional methods and includes spices such as cinnamon, anise, fennel, cloves, ginger and mahlab, in addition to dates and almonds. The judges said that this “beautifully packed” product boasted a “delicious” taste and “premium quality” credentials. They also praised its “convenience”, noting that it is easy to prepare.
FINALISTS
Product: Coop 365 Crispbread
Retailer: Coop Trading
Manufacturer: Dr. Klaus Karg KG
Product: Pingo Doce Super Breakfast Cocoa Cinnamon
Retailer: Pingo Doce
Manufacturer: Pingo Doce Distribuição Alimentar, SA
Product: Golden Bridge Copos de Arroz y Trigo
Retailer: Aldi Spain
Manufacturer: Cerealto Foods
Confectionery
WINNER
Product: Salling Princip White Chocolate with Liquorice
Retailer: Salling Group
Manufacturer: Eliza Chokolade
Boasting the unusual flavour combination of white chocolate and liquorice, this premium chocolate product from Salling Group has been developed with specially selected ingredients. This product is part of a series that contains the dark chocolate & caramel and dark chocolate & strawberry variants. The judges described this as a “very special” product that boasted a “beautiful” flavour combination and “high-class packaging”.
FINALISTS
Product: Food for Future No Cow Bons
Retailer: REWE Group
Manufacturer: Stollwerck GmbH
Product: SPAR Brownie Pretzel Milk Chocolate
Retailer: SPAR Netherlands
Manufacturer: Droste
Product: Sweet & Salty Crispies
Retailer: Coop Trading
Manufacturer: FoodMan AS
Convenience Foods/Food To Go
WINNER
Product: Bistro’Vite Poke Bowl
Retailer: Aldi France
Manufacturer: Mix Buffet
This chicken, noodle and mango poke bowl from Aldi France contains locally sourced chicken and is a healthy, balanced meal, boasting a Nutri-Score ranking of A. Topped off with a curry sauce, this bowl is a fresh and balanced meal that is ideal for consumers looking for a healthy, convenient option that is also nutritious. The judges praised the “balanced flavours” and “fresh taste” of this product, as well as noting its use of locally sourced “clean label” ingredients and high Nutri-Score ranking.
FINALISTS
Product: I Piatti Pronti
Retailer: ABBI Holding
Manufacturer: La Rosa dei Gusti
Product: Tasty Time Salade Schotel Oriëntals
Retailer: Aldi Netherlands
Manufacturer: Plukon Convenience B.V.
Product: Loc Marée Filets de Cabillaud – Fish & Chips
Retailer: Aldi France
Manufacturer: Cité Marine S.A.S.
Dairy Products
WINNER
Product: SPAR Select Vintage Irish Cheddar
Retailer: BWG Foods/SPAR Ireland
Manufacturer: Kerry/Horgans Delicatessen Supplies
SPAR Vintage Irish Cheddar has been described as a ‘real cheese lover’s cheese’. Produced from Irish cow’s milk and aged and matured for up to 20 months, this cheese boasts a strong flavour and rich aroma. Through the maturation process, salt crystals form naturally, giving it a crumbly texture. The judges described this as a “creamy” and “great tasting” product, while also hailing the maturation phase as contributing to its “nicely balanced” flavour.
FINALISTS
Product: Gut Bio Kefir de Vaca
Retailer: Aldi Spain
Manufacturer: Cantero de Letur
Product: Salling Princip Organic Dill and Lemon Cream Cheese
Retailer: Salling Group
Manufacturer: Løgismose Meyers A/S
Product: Engvang Organic Red Crystal Cheese
Retailer: Lidl Denmark
Manufacturer: Them Andelsmejeri
Free-From Foods
WINNER
Product: Pingo Doce Portuguese Dairy-Free Banana Ice Cream
Retailer: Pingo Doce
Manufacturer: Pingo Doce Distribuição Alimentar, SA
This dairy-free, oat-based ice cream features a high proportion of bananas (26%), with all ingredients sourced within Portugal – the bananas used come from Madeira and the Azores. The judges said that this was a free-from product that would likely “score highly” among regular shoppers, with “natural” and “healthy” characteristics and a “good, creamy flavour.”
FINALISTS
Product: Pingo Doce Dairy-Free Chocolate Ice-Cream Sandwich
Retailer: Pingo Doce
Manufacturer: Pingo Doce Distribuição Alimentar, SA
Product: Hot Damn! Oat Drink Barista
Retailer: Gorillas
Manufacturer: Themakers.ai GmbH
Product: Lidl Deluxe Gluten-Free Bars
Retailer: Lidl
Manufacturer: Lidl Deutschland GmbH
Frozen Food
WINNER
Product: En Bid af Danmark (‘A Taste of Denmark’) Organic Vanilla Ice Cream
Retailer: Lidl Denmark
Manufacturer: Skarø Is
In keeping with Lidl Denmark’s ‘A Taste of Denmark’ range, this organic ice cream is made on a small Danish Island called Skarø. This is ice cream made in the traditional way, with egg yolks that are emulsified with whole milk. The milk is sourced from the Tranegård farm, which puts a high focus on animal welfare. The judges praised the “single origin” positioning of this product, also hailing its “natural” flavour and “creamy” texture, as well as its “unique proposition”.
FINALISTS
Product: Stecco Gelato Panna e Pistacchio di Sicilia
Retailer: Conad
Manufacturer: Eskigel S.r.l.
Product: Salling Øko Salted Caramel Brownie
Retailer: Salling Group
Manufacturer: Geia Food
Product: Cono Gelato Panna e Frutti Rossi
Retailer: Conad
Manufacturer: Eskigel S.r.l.
Meal Accompaniments
WINNER
Product: Anadolu Lezzetleri Kastamonu Siyez Bulgur (Einkorn Wheat)
Retailer: Migros Ticaret
Manufacturer: Tokali Gida İnş.enerji̇ Madenci̇li̇k Orman Ürünl.san.
The story of Einkorn bulgur dates back to 10,000 years ago, to the fertile soil of Anatolia. Today, Einkorn wheat is still produced by traditional methods, ensuring that its organoleptic qualities, and hence its flavour, are preserved, and it is served as a wholegrain. The Kastamonu Siyez Bulgur is best for making bulgur pilaf. The judges praised the “positive ethos” of this product, along with its “great price point”, describing it as “very innovative”.
FINALISTS
Product: Salling Princip Linguine with Squid Ink
Retailer: Salling Group
Manufacturer: Pastificio Marella
Product: REWE Beste Wahl Tagliatelle
Retailer: REWE Group
Manufacturer: Hans Henglein & Sohn GmbH
Product: Änglamark Organic Grapes
Retailer: Coop Trading
Manufacturer: Moyca Grapes, Spain/GrapeHub, Holland
Meat and Seafood
WINNER
Product: I Ravioli di Granchio Reale e Caviale
Retailer: ABBI Holding
Manufacturer: La Rosa dei Gusti
ABBI Holding’s goal in developing this ravioli was to create a product that would extend haute cuisine to the everyday table. This product blends king crab and caviar, encasing it in a very thin layer of vegetable gelatine, to protect it from the heat of cooking, thus allowing the sweetness of the crab to meet the deep, delicate flavours of the caviar. The judges described this as a “premium tasting” product that is “beautifully presented”.
FINALISTS
Product: REMA 1000 Free-Range Pork Sausages with Gouda Cheese
Retailer: REMA 1000
Manufacturer: Delika Food Group A/S
Product: PorSi Select – Sardinhas sem Pele e sem Espinhas com Pimento/em Azeite/em Tomate
Retailer: Intermarché Portugal
Manufacturer: ITMP Alimentar, SA
Product: REWE Beste Wahl Isländischer Saibling
Retailer: REWE Group
Manufacturer: Skalavik GmbH
Non-Food (Household)
WINNER
Product: Änglamark Refill Window-Cleaning Spray
Retailer: Coop Trading
Manufacturer: Nopa Nordic
With the introduction of this window trigger-spray cleaner and refill bottle, Coop is seeking to save packaging and water usage, as well as reduce CO2 emissions. The product is Nordic Swan certified, and both the refill and the ready-to-use container are made of recycled plastic. When the 500ml spray bottle is empty, customers simply reuse the bottle by mixing water with a 50ml refill concentrate. The judges described this as a “brilliant” and “very innovative” product that “educates the consumer” to make more sustainable choices.
FINALISTS
Product: Big Jeff Sustainable Charcoal
Retailer: Action
Manufacturer: Action Service & Distributie B.V.
Product: Axfood Såklart Dish Wash and Kitchen Spray
Retailer: Axfood
Manufacturer: Nopa Nordic
Product: Romeo Holistic Premium Dog Food
Retailer: Aldi Belgium
Manufacturer: United Petfood Producers N.V.
Non-Food (Personal Care)
WINNER
Product: Etos Baby Pure & Organic Range
Retailer: Albert Heijn/Etos
Manufacturer: Allison
Etos Baby Pure & Organic is a certified organic product range for babies. Each product in the range is based on natural ingredients and dermatologically tested, ensuring the safety of the product. It is also certified by Ecocert Cosmos. The product range consists of a bath wash gel, shampoo, zinc ointment, skin oil, cream, and bath oil. The judges praised the “pure” and “organic” qualities of this product, as well as the “consistent” packaging design.
FINALISTS
Product: Duchesse Nature Washable Period Pad
Retailer: Müller
Manufacturer: Actifar SRL
Product: REMA 1000 Simple Living Natural Personal-Care Range
Retailer: REMA 1000
Manufacturer: Allison
Product: Lab System Kalahari-Melone Kopfhaut Stärkungs-Elixir
Retailer: Müller
Manufacturer: Heinrich Hagner GmbH & Co.
Sauces and Condiments
WINNER
Product: Aceite de Oliva Virgen Extra Arbequina
Retailer: Consum
Manufacturer: Aires de Jaén
Spanish retailer Consum is committed to sourcing only the finest local ingredients, leading to the launch of this variety of Consum 100% Arbequina Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. This is a single-variety oil, made exclusively through the extraction of olive juice from Arbequina olives. Mild and sweet tasting, this oil has notable hints of apple, almond and banana. The judges described this as a “really exceptional” product at a “great price point” (€3.65), also hailing the use of single-variety olives as an “innovative” venture.
FINALISTS
Product: Pesto Pistacchio
Retailer: Aldi Italy
Manufacturer: Campo d’Oro S.r.l.
Product: En Bid af Danmark (‘A Taste of Denmark’) Organic Apple Vinegar
Retailer: Lidl Denmark
Manufacturer: Fra Fejø
Product: Pesto Fresco con Aglio di Vessalico (Fresh Pesto with Vessalico Garlic)
Retailer: ABBI Holding
Manufacturer: La Rosa dei Gusti
Snacking Products
WINNER
Product: Salling Princip Almonds with Rosemary
Retailer: Salling Group
Manufacturer: Quival S.A.
From the Salling Princip range, this is a premium almond snacking product with a taste of rosemary. The almonds used in this product are sourced from Spain, with this product aimed at consumers who are looking for something more than classic snacking products. This product forms part of a series including three variants: rosemary, olive oil, and truffle. The judges said that this product was “well presented” and boasted strong “added value” credentials, as well as a “delicious” and “clever” flavour combination.
FINALISTS
Product: Deleitum Artisanal Chips
Retailer: Desarrollo de Marcas/Euromadi
Manufacturer: Garijo Baigorri SL
Product: SPAR Speculoos Caramelised Biscuits
Retailer: SPAR International
Manufacturer: Pally Biscuits B.V.
Product: Bio Primo Bioland Tomato & Basil Kettle Chips/Crisps
Retailer: Müller
Manufacturer: Aroma Snacks GmbH
Tea, Coffee and Hot Drinks
WINNER
Product: Alteza Intense Organic Coffee Capsules
Retailer: Desarrollo de Marcas/Euromadi
Manufacturer: Coffee Productions S.L.
Alteza Intense Organic Coffee Capsules use beans that have been grown without pesticides or fertilisers, while the coffee is roasted carefully, to ensure a balance between flavour, body, acidity and aroma. The capsules used in the product are 100% compostable and decompose in just 90 days, without leaving any residual waste. The judges praised the “innovative” use of compostable capsules, adding that this “makes it easier” for consumers to make sustainable choices. They also hailed the “balanced” flavour and “enticing” aroma of this product.
FINALISTS
Product: Salling Princip Primissáo Medium-Roasted Coffee Beans
Retailer: Salling Group
Manufacturer: Estate Coffee
Product: ABBI Capsule Caffè
Retailer: ABBI Holding
Manufacturer: La Rosa dei Gusti
Product: Moreno Coffee Capsules Ristretto
Retailer: Aldi Netherlands
Manufacturer: Delica AG
Vegetarian and Vegan
WINNER
Product: REWE To Go Vegan Orzo Salatschale
Retailer: REWE Group
Manufacturer: Plukon Convenience Dronten B.V.
With this vegan orzo salad, part of the REWE To Go range, every meal – whether on the go, at home, or in the office – can now be plant based. Features a rich salad mix, with lamb’s lettuce, walnuts, croutons, vegan cheese, and home-made Sylter Art vegan dressing. The judges hailed the “delicious” flavour combination of this product and were particularly impressed by the quality of the vegan cheese used. They described it as a “great convenience product” at an attractive price (€2.99).
FINALISTS
Product: Food for Future Vegane Currywurst
Retailer: REWE Group
Manufacturer: Vevia 4 You GmbH & Co. KG
Product: Änglamark Vegan and Organic Ravioli
Retailer: Coop Trading
Manufacturer: Foodstho NV
Product: Verso Natura – Burger Vegetale agli Spinaci Biologico (Vegetable Burger with Organic Spinach)
Retailer: Conad
Manufacturer: Kioene S.p.A.
BEST OF THE BEST
Innovative Product Of The Year
WINNER
Product: Food for Future No Cow Bons
Retailer: REWE Group
Manufacturer: Stollwerck GmbH
These vegan chocolate bonbons – part of REWE’s Food for Future range – are made with coconut milk powder instead of traditional dairy ingredients. According to the retailer, these were an immediate success upon launch, with consumers appreciating both the vegan positioning and the quality of the product. The judges praised the “innovative” use of ingredients as delivering the same flavour and texture as regular chocolate, noting that this was a “positive” message to put out in the confectionery category.
Taste Excellence Award
WINNER
Product: Crema Spalmabile al Pistacchio
Retailer: Aldi Italy
Manufacturer: Antichi Sapori dell’Etna S.r.l.
Aldi Italy used PDO-certified pistachios from Sicily to develop this green pistachio cream, which it positions as a healthy and delicious alternative to other confectionery creams. The judges described this as an “indulgent” product, which boasted an “exceptional” and “delicious” taste, while praising its “innovative” sourcing credentials.
Packaging Excellence Award
WINNER
Product: I Piatti Pronti
Retailer: ABBI Holding
Manufacturer: La Rosa dei Gusti
The La Rosa dei Gusti range includes Lasagna al ragù, Farro e Mazzancolle, Vitello Tonnato, Cannelloni Ricotta e Spinaci, and Polpo con Patate – a selection of convenient meals based on the finest Italian gastronomy. All are prepared using high-pressure processing (HPP) technology, which maintains the flavour and quality of the original recipe, making the dishes easy to prepare and serve. The judges praised the “excellent” concept and “great” taste, noting that the use of HPP technology ensures that the flavours are retained. They described it as a “fantastic” product that “must look great in store”.
Sustainable Product of the Year
WINNER
Product: En Bid af Danmark (‘A Taste of Denmark’) Organic Apple Vinegar
Retailer: Lidl Denmark
Manufacturer: Fra Fejø
This organic apple vinegar from Lidl Denmark is produced using discarded apple cores from the retailer’s own production processes, helping to reduce food waste and promote a circular economy. It forms part of Lidl’s En Bid af Danmark range, which seeks to promote foods of 100% Danish origin. The judges praised Lidl’s efforts to adopt “waste valorisation” with this product, helping to “contribute to a circular economy” in the process. This “innovative” product also boasted a “very good” taste, they noted.
About The Awards
The European Private Label Awards were launched by ESM in 2017, to determine the most impactful and innovative private-label brands on sale in Europe’s supermarkets. Open to both retailers and suppliers, the awards celebrate the best of store brand innovation on a pan-European level.
As part of the process, judges are asked to assess each product in terms of three important metrics: innovation, presentation and taste. All products are all assessed in terms of their suitability for a ‘best of the best’ award, acknowledging the stand-out products in the overall competition.
ESM said that it would like to extend it's sincere gratitude to our expert team of judges, including André Michel (IPLC), Hermann Sievers (SMK-Consult), Sebastiaan Schreijen (RaboResearch Food & Agri), Lucy Ingram (IGD); Loe Limpens (HEMA), Valerie Rice (Valerie Rice & Associates), Derek Reilly (Aramark), Brian Daly (Brian Daly Consulting), Maev Martin (Checkout), Emily Hourican (Hospitality Ireland), and Mark Kelly (ESM: European Supermarket Magazine).
About the European Private Label Awards
With private-label market share at an all-time high across Europe, and innovative store brands now penetrating even the most diverse of supermarket categories, ESM: European Supermarket Magazine developed the European Private Label Awards 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, visit Privatelabelawards.com.
The entry process is NOW OPEN for next year’s edition of the European Private Label Awards – log on to Privatelabelawards.com.
About ESM: European Supermarket Magazine
ESM: European Supermarket Magazine is the dedicated magazine for the European grocery sector. ESM is a must-read for senior managers and top-level executives working in the European grocery sector or supplying the retail industry.
For more information, visit Esmmagazine.com.
For further details, please contact Stephen Wynne-Jones, editor, ESM: European Supermarket Magazine at [email protected].
© 2023 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more retail news, click here. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
