SPAR and VIVO’s own-brand ranges awarded 6 stars at Great Taste Awards

Henderson Group’s own-brand food ranges, available through their network of SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO and VIVOXTRA stores, have earned six stars at the prestigious Great Taste Awards for 2022.

The Kitchen, enjoy local and The CHEF ranges have seen five of their products awarded stars this year, which brings the total up to 24 in the past seven years for the Group.

Amongst the one-star winners this year is The CHEF’s Chicken and Ham Bake which was created in collaboration with local delicacy, Irish Black Butter, launched just a few months ago. Judges said the bake was a “lovely combination of quality ingredients” and “a satisfying supper without the effort of making it yourself.”

Carl Johannesson, the chef behind The CHEF said, “We want shoppers to pick up a The CHEF meal, that they know without thinking will be full of flavour and pack a punch – this accolade shows we’ve nailed it.”

The Kitchen, made up of local products from suppliers such as DailyBake, Big Pot and Davison Puds, picked up the most stars, with winning dishes such as Bread and Butter Pudding, which received 2 stars.

The judges said: “The taste is simply divine with raisin flavour bombs in a sea of flavoursome buttery sensations. Indulgent, honest and truly delicious.”

Judges also awarded the Salted Apple Caramel Pudding with a 1 star accolade, adding: “Delivers full flavour with good balance… the taste is just right… and it is delicious”.

Of the Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup, which was also awarded 1 star, they said: “This golden soup has sweet aromas from the squash and sweet potato. It tastes fresh and has a lovely warming peppery finish.”

SPAR’s enjoy local range is made up of over 100 products, locally sourced from Coleraine to Lisnaskea.

These local suppliers have helped SPAR NI create an award-winning range and judges were impressed with the Peppered Rump Steaks, sourced from local farms by K&G McAtamney, which were awarded with 1 star, describing them as “lean, mouth-watering steaks.”

Neal Kelly, Fresh Foods Director at Henderson Group, commented: “It has never been more important to champion and partner with our local food suppliers and farmers, keeping food miles low and providing great value, quality products for our shoppers.

“The Great Taste Awards are a great recognition for Henderson Group, our chefs, the suppliers, our tasters and the hard work of everyone involved in bringing these ranges together from start to finish.”

Picture caption: The Kitchen, enjoy local and The CHEF ranges have seen five of their products awarded stars this year.