Leading Dundee based convenience retailer and wholesaler, CJ Lang & Son Ltd, is launching their 2024 SPAR Scotland Awards programme. The awards programme aims to recognise and celebrate excellence, innovation, and outstanding contributions within SPAR in Scotland.
As the convenience retail landscape continues to evolve rapidly, it is essential to acknowledge the remarkable efforts and achievements of individuals, stores and suppliers that drive growth and set new standards of excellence within SPAR.
The 2024 SPAR Scotland Awards programme will honour those who demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation, and commitment to excellence across various categories, including:
• Independent Community Store of the Year – sponsored by JTI
• Company Owned Community Store of the Year – sponsored by Graham’s the Family Dairy
• Independent Store of the Year – sponsored by AG Barr
• Company Owned Store of the Year – sponsored by Hovis
• Supplier of the Year (multiple categories) – sponsored by Relex
• NEW – Future Stars award in partnership with the Scottish Football Association
The awards programme will provide a platform to highlight the remarkable accomplishments and best practices that shape the future of the convenience sector in Scotland.
Judges in the Independent Community Store of the Year category will be looking for a SPAR store that engages, empowers and supports their community, making an especially strong, effective contribution to its local area.
The Store of the Year award is the best of the best; a SPAR store adhering to the highest standards, with a team who are truly passionate about their work and embedded within their local community.
Supplier of the Year awards will be judged by SPAR Scotland trading managers. The criteria are based around product supply, NPD and promotional support activity to name a few.
New for 2024 is an award category designed for CJ Lang & Son Ltd colleagues based at the distribution centre and head office in Dundee. Working in partnership with the Scottish FA, the new Future Stars award will be launching with the inaugural winner being announced in Aviemore at the annual tradeshow and conference.
Judging will commence soon and take place over several months across the summer. Winners will be selected by a panel of CJ Lang & Son Ltd Area Managers and Executive team members, as well as category sponsors.
Colin McLean, CEO of SPAR Scotland, said: “We are thrilled to launch the 2024 SPAR Scotland Awards programme to recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions within SPAR in Scotland.
“This year in addition to recognising our independent retailers, company owned stores and suppliers, our new Future Stars award is aimed at recognising the fantastic talent we have across our business in Dundee.
“SPAR Scotland Awards underscores our commitment to celebrating innovation, excellence, and the community spirit within SPAR, and we look forward to honouring the remarkable individuals, stores, and suppliers who drive positive change and inspire others.”
The winners of the SPAR Scotland Awards will be announced as part of the annual tradeshow’s prestigious evening celebration, taking place in Aviemore on Thursday 26th September.
Now the biggest retail event in Scotland, the event will bring together leading Scottish SPAR independent retailers, company owned stores, suppliers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to celebrate excellence and network with peers.
