Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2020 launched at the Culloden

Past winners and sponsors attended an official launch event for the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2020 at the Culloden Estate and Spa on February 20.

The 32nd annual awards will see winners awarded across 11 categories during the Grocers’ Ball, held annually to raise funds for the GroceryAid charity, at the Culloden on May 22.

Online-only entry closes on March 6 for the Awards, which offer an opportunity for companies operating in the Northern Ireland grocery sector to shine a light on their successes and achievements.

As well as a new Leader in Marketing accolade, awards include Best Digital Marketing Campaign, Best Sustainability Initiative and the Lorraine Hall Young Marketeer Award, recognising up and coming stars in memory of the co-founder of Forest Feast.

Further categories include Best Marketing Campaign, Best Brand, Best In-Store Consumer Sales Promotion, Best New Product Launch/Relaunch, Best CSR Initiative/Charity Partnership, Best Artisan Campaign and Best Export Marketing.

Sponsors on board for this year’s Awards include Aqua Twist, Carn Coldstore, Electric Ireland, Food NI, Forest Feast, HFM, Hunky Dorys, Invest NI, Mash Direct, MBNI Truck & Van and mxb.

“Despite a challenging past year for the grocery sector, particularly the uncertainty around Brexit and its potential impact on the agri-food sector, local innovation and investment has remained strong and this year’s Awards look set to be as competitive as ever,” said Alyson Magee, editor of Ulster Grocer.

Widely regarded as the highest marketing accolade Northern Ireland grocery stakeholders can achieve, the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards are recognised as a mark of professionalism, raising awareness for companies shortlisted, highly commended and winning each category.

Judging this year’s awards is an independent panel led by marketing experts Michael Maguire, Albert Titterington, Norman Maynes and Emma Cowan.

Entry information is available at www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/ulstergrocer

Grocers’ Ball tickets, all proceeds of which go to the GroceryAid charity, can be booked by contacting jim.mcalea@yahoo.co.uk

From left, Chris Keenan (Ulster Grocer), Gary Taylor (Aqua Twist), Bronagh Clarke (Forest Feast), Alan Cunningham (Electric Ireland), Debra Henderson (HFM), Fiona Derry (Carn Coldstore), Alyson Magee (Ulster Grocer), Allie McAuley (mxb), Clare Forster (Mash Direct), Geoff Spence (Invest NI), Sean Clarke (MBNI Truck & Van) and Martin McClinton (Hunky Dorys).