Health Stores Ireland Names Top Retailers

Health Stores Ireland in association with Better Retailing Magazine has named the best retailers of 2020 in five categories, together with special recognition and best product awards.

The retailer awards are normally presented at Vitality Expo in Dublin but this year were judged by an independent panel and presented remotely.

Alan McGrath, Health Stores Ireland organiser, said the retail awards demonstrated members’ resilience and focus on excellence. Three new stores were opened by Health Stores Ireland members in 2020.

“The core values of education, community, environment, innovation and empathy assisted retailers through the most difficult challenges they are likely to face,” he said. “The sector will emerge from 2020 in good health.”

The triumphant stores in each category are:

Innovation & Development

WINNER: Open Sesame, Ennis & Gort

SPECIAL COMMENDATION:
Blásta Wholefoods, Dungarvan
Licorice Health Foods, Portumna & Birr

Community Engagement

WINNER: Fruit n’ Nut, Portlaoise

SPECIAL COMMENDATION:
Healthy Beings, Strokestown, Roscommon
Slainte Health Foods, Bellmullet, Co Mayo

Training & Education

WINNER: Natural Health Store, Wexford and Kilkenny

SPECIAL COMMENDATION:
Evergreen Health Foods, Galway
Natures Gold, Wicklow

Environmental Initiatives

WINNER: Healing Harvest, Kinvara

SPECIAL COMMENDATION:
The Aloe Tree, Ennistymon, County Clare
Loop de Loop Castletownbere

Digital Marketing

WINNER: Dr Clares Apothecary, Galway

SPECIAL COMMENDATION:
The Good Earth Shop, Kilkenny
Simple Simon, Donegal

Pictured above (left to right): Tessa Badenhorst (The Aloe Tree), Tara Canning (Dr Clares Apothecary) & Aine Keane (The Good Earth)

In addition, the following special recognition awards have been presented:

Special Recognition for Service to Retail

Aideen and Kieran Hurley, Evergreen Health Foods, (pictured right) who have both contributed expertise and resources for several key campaigns over the years as well as providing seed investment and practical support for the recent TV and radio advertising campaign.

Special Recognition for Service to the Industry

Ciaran Hurley, HealthReach and CKH Services, an integral advisor for the ‘Stop the VAT’ campaign and insight into customs, revenue and tax issues.

Pat Curran Award for Excellence in Service

Marion Moffatt of Nuts & Grains, Mullingar, voted by readers of Rude Health Magazine.

The following Product Awards, shortlisted from Rude Health Magazine’s Tried & Tested products, were voted by secret member ballot:

Best Food & Drink Product:

Winner: Spoonful Botanical Fermented Fruit & Spices. Highly Commended: Highbank Orchards Apple Cider Vinegar, Holo Kombucha Original, Salba Chia Seeds, The Cultured Food Company Raw Kimchi.

Best Nutritional Supplement Product:

Winner: BetterYou DLux 3000 Vitamin D Oral Spray. Highly Commended: Macánta Multi-Complex with Co-Q10, One Nutrition Joint Factor, Viridian High Potency Magnesium with B6, Wiley's Finest Catch Free Omega Full Spectrum Softgel

Best Natural Personal Care Product:

Winner: Atlantic Aromatics Organic Rosehip Seed Oil. Highly Commended: Dublin Herbalists Everyday Cleansing Gel, Dr Bronner's Pure Castille Soap, Palm Free Irish Soaps Shampoo Bars, Trilogy Age Proof Multi Defence Moisturiser SPF15.

Best Environmental Product:

Winner: Palm Free Irish Soap Laundry Dish-Washing Bar. Highly Commended: If You Care Firelighters, Ecover Refill Washing-Up Liquid Lemon & Aloe Vera, Ecozone Ecoballs 1000, Huski Home Travel Cup.

Health Stores Ireland Chairperson, Martha Brennan, commented that it was heartening to see so many Irish based brands feature strongly in the awards. She hopes the announcements will bring some cheer and encouragement to the hardworking people behind the brands.