The Co-op has been named the Free From Food Awards’ first-ever ‘Convenience Retailer of the Year’ winner.

The symbol group retailer picked up the new award for its continued efforts to give shoppers access to free-from products such as bread, pasta and cereals at all its stores.

Now in the 15th year, the Free From Food Awards are the UK’s only awards dedicated to celebrating excellence and innovation in the free-from food and drink industry.

First launched in 2011, Co-op’s Free From branded own-label range now boasts 20 lines across chilled, frozen and ambient.

Co-op picked up multiple awards for Free From products including five silver and three bronze gongs.

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Among the winning products, Co-op’s Free From Strawberry and Vanilla cones, Free From Spaghetti and Irresistible Hand Cooked Sea Salt & Chardonnay Wine Vinegar Crisps all picked up Silver.

“We’re passionate that our customers, colleagues and communities have access to safe products – no matter their circumstance. That’s why we have a variety of great-tasting products and clear allergy labelling, which we know is so vital to so many people,” Co-op’s assistant own brand strategy manager for Free From said.

Free From Food Awards’ judges said: “Changing consumer shopping habits, such as the growing popularity of pop-up shops, have been key to the growth of the convenience retailers.”

“The Co-op not only recognised and understood this, they swiftly set a vision to become the nation’s trusted & preferred convenience retailer for great quality Free From foods.

“They impressed judges this year, in multiple categories and are worthy winners of ‘Free From Convenience Retailer of the Year’ and with consumers talking unprompted about great quality and ethical trading, they have a great platform for future development.”

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