Sensations by Compliments Spinach Thin Crust Brick Oven Pizza and Compliments Green and Yellow Beans - Winners at PLMA's Salute to Excellence Awards 2010
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 16 /CNW/ - Sobeys' Sensations by Compliments Spinach Thin Crust Brick Oven Pizza and Compliments Young and Tender Green and Yellow Beans took home the grand prize in the 2010 Private Label Manufacturers Association Salute to Excellence Awards, in the Pizza (Fresh and Frozen) category and the Vegetarian category, respectively.
The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) Salute to Excellence Awards is an industry award that gives recognition to retailers who have introduced innovative private label products during the past year. This year, the PLMA Awards received over 300 nominations in the 24 food categories and 100 in the 8 non-food categories within North America. Only one winner is selected per category.
"We are thrilled that two products from the Compliments line were recognized at these awards," said John Hale, Director of Product Appraisal and Development for Sobeys Inc. "We take the utmost care in developing our private label brands, and are the only grocery retailer in Canada to pass all of our private label products through a sensory trained customer tasting panel."
Inspired by an old artisan tradition, Sensations by Compliments Thin Crust Brick Oven Pizzas are baked in a true stone pizza oven constructed with clay bricks. As the thin crust moves through the oven, the hot bricks absorb the moisture, perfecting the flavour and texture. The exclusive dough recipe, developed over the course of a year, combined with a time-honoured baking process and gourmet toppings, allows these pizzas to achieve a unique crispness and flavour. The pizzas are available in four varieties, including Spinach, Mozzarella Pesto, Pepperoni & Ham, and Mushroom.
Compliments Young and Tender Green and Yellow Beans are a flavourful source of fiber and vitamin C, and are ready to combine into any dish. The convenient, re-sealable package locks in freshness and flavour, even after opening the package.
Established in 2004, the Private Label Manufacturers Association Salute to Excellence Awards evaluate private label brands from U.S. and Canadian supermarkets, drug chains, mass merchandisers and wholesalers. Criteria for judging food items include retail price; appearance; taste, texture and smell; packaging and presentation and value for money. The winning products were selected by eight panels of professional judges, made up of industry representatives, product development specialists, trade journalists, chefs and consumers from the New York metropolitan area.
Launched in May 2010, Sensations by Compliments Spinach Thin Crust Brick Oven Pizza and Compliments Young and Tender Green and Yellow Beans are available across Ontario in Sobeys, Foodland, FreshCo and Price Chopper stores.
More information on the complete Compliments line can be found at www.compliments.ca.
About Sobeys Inc.
Sobeys Inc. is a leading national grocery retailer and food distributor headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited (TSX:EMP.A), Sobeys owns or franchises more than 1,300 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Price Chopper and Thrifty Foods, as well as Lawtons Drug Stores. Sobeys Inc. is committed to providing the most worthwhile experience for its customers, employees, franchisees, suppliers and shareholders. More information on Sobeys Inc. can be found at www.sobeyscorporate.com.
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Media contact:
Lisa Gilbert
Fleishman-Hillard Canada
416-645-3658
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