Quality Foods continues to earn national recognition from its peers in the grocery business.
Last week in Toronto, Quality Foods founding partners John Briuolo, Ken Schley and Noel Hayward were presented the prestigious Life Member Award from the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG).
According to the CFIG, the designation is awarded to a grocer who has demonstrated a commitment to the industry through their work, community involvement and CFIG activities.Also last week at the CFIG's Independent Grocer of the Year Awards, Quality Foods Parksville's entry into the Master Merchandiser Awards was the judge's favourite in the medium store category, winning the gold across Canada. An Atlantic Canada independent in the large surface category edged them out for the Platinum as best overall in all categories.
Kevin Foote, QF Parksville assistant store manager, submitted the winning entry, which featured creative and customer-focused displays and community involvement, highlighting the Quality Foods Canadian Open Sandsculpting Competition.
"A lot of people work very hard to make sure the store is a great place to shop and be a helpful part of our Parksville community," said Foote. "To have their work recognized in this way acknowledges that what we do every day makes a difference."Parksville store manager Randy Henson added: "The important thing for us though is that our customers have a great shopping experience each time they come in our store. That's what's gold to us. I guess it's part of our culture in how we do business, and it means a lot to everyone in the stores when the industry takes notice."
In addition, Qualicum Foods received a Platinum Achievement Award for 10 consecutive years of various CFIG awards since the original store was rebuilt in 2004 after fire destroyed the original store. The store also earned a rare spot in the Canadian Independent Grocer of the Year Hall of Fame. The honour was accepted by the trio of founding partners. Quality Foods in Courtenay's Driftwood Mall received a Diamond Pin Achievement Award as a result of receiving awards for each year they have been eligible. All 11 eligible QF stores received an Award of Merit from judges who visited all applicants across all Canadian provinces and territories. The CFIG says the Independent Grocer of the Year Awards program is designed to recognize outstanding Canadian Grocers based on a rigorous evaluation performed from the consumer's perspective. Held in conjunction with Grocery Innovations Canada, the Independent Grocer of the Year Awards program recognizes excellence in grocery retailing among independents. Hundreds of grocery stores nationwide competed in this year's program. For more about the awards and the CFIG, visit www.cfig.ca. — NEWS Staff/CFIG