Independent store operators belonging to German food retailer Edeka's national network have scooped three awards at the annual German Fruit Prize ceremony, organised by German fresh produce weekly Fruchthandel Magazin and leading grocery magazine Rundschau für den Lebensmitteleinzelhandel.
The Kirchner Edeka aktiv markt store in Alzenau, Baden-Württemberg, became the first outlet to win the prize for best consumer market three times, having picked up the same prize in 2007 and 2008.
Meanwhile, the awards for best small supermarket went to the Zielke Edeka aktiv markt in Willich, Nordrhein-Westfalen, while the equivalent prize for best large supermarket was handed to Hieber's Frische Center in Binzen, Baden-Württemberg.
'We are very proud of this result, especially as it re-confirmed our successful model run by the independent retail merchants,' said Markus Mosa, Edeka chief executive.
'All of the winning stores aim for strong expertise in fresh produce with a completely unique approach that is tailored precisely to the needs of local consumers.'
