Musgrave Group and SPAR UK Are Honorees

Retail groups named winners in two new NACS Insight award categories: sustainability and technology.

June 12, 2015

LONDON – At last night’s NACS Insight Convenience Summit – Europe awards, two inaugural awards were presented, recognizing the innovative efforts of retailers in two key business areas: sustainability and technology. The Musgrave Group was awarded the 2015 NACS Insight European Sustainability Retailer of the Year Award, sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company; and SPAR UK won the 2015 NACS Insight European Technology Implementation Award, sponsored by Verifone Inc.

The Sustainability Retailer of the Year Award recognizes Cork, Ireland-based Musgrave Group for its leadership in sustainable resource strategies and inspiring other businesses to implement sustainability initiatives of their own. With a strong focus on environmental responsibility, the company continues to reduce its carbon footprint, reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, minimize energy use and expand its use of renewable energy. Through the implementation of consistent sustainability policies and clear targets, Musgrave Group has developed an extremely impressive business model that encourages healthier living and enriches the lives of its customers.

“Focusing on sustainability not only helps protect our world and resources, it is also good for business,” said Ern Sherman, vice president of industry affairs for The Coca-Cola Company. “With this award, we are proud to recognize those who share our passion for making a lasting, positive difference for businesses and communities.”

NACS President and CEO Henry Armour also congratulated Musgrave Group for its focus on sustainable business solutions. “The dedication Musgrave Group has shown to enhancing the communities and people it serves is a great example of sustainable and environmentally conscious best practices, and even more exciting is that we have the opportunity to share Musgrave’s endeavors with our global convenience retail community.”

The Technology Implementation Award recognizes SPAR UK for excellence in the implementation of innovative and outstanding IT solutions within the convenience retailing industry. SPAR UK’s long-term technology investments are keeping pace with today’s sophisticated payment methods, such as chip and PIN, and maintain compliance with PCI standards. The company recognizes that secure, cost-effective payment solutions not only provide customers with peace of mind, but also enhance the SPAR brand by strengthening data security measures and delivering exceptional customer service. Founded in Holland in 1932 by Adriaan van Well, SPAR is the world’s largest international food retail chain, with 12,322 stores in 34 countries, and the United Kingdom’s leading convenience store group.

“Around the world retailers face daunting challenges related to the rapidly evolving payment landscape to keep up with changing regulations and consumer demands of today — and tomorrow — all while protecting consumers against the ever present threat of cybercriminals,” said Brad McGuiness, senior vice president of engineering for Verifone. “We are honored to recognize SPAR UK for its forward-thinking use of technology, which is helping the company efficiently overcome these challenges while enhancing the customer experience.”

“SPAR genuinely deserves this European Technology accolade. Consumers are looking for more speed in everything they do and in order to capitalize on the opportunity this creates for our industry, independent convenience retailers need to be at the forefront of technology implementation,” said Dan Munford, managing director of Insight. “SPAR UK, with the close support of its leading wholesalers, is really doing a great job in giving retailers the technology they need to do their jobs.”

Now in its second year, the NACS Insight Convenience Summit – Europe brings together convenience and fuel retailing industry professionals from around the world to discuss new ideas and gain new commercial connections. This year’s event kicked off in Berlin on June 7 and ends today in London.

Topaz was also honored last night with the NACS Insight 2015 International Convenience Retailer of the Year Award , sponsored by Imperial Tobacco Group, for its Re.Store convenience forecourt concept.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement