Scotland’s first social enterprise grocery store, Locavore Grocery, in Govanhill, Glasgow, was crowned Best of Organic Independent Retailers at the Soil Association’s BOOM Awards earlier this year.
Sponsored by Marigold Health Foods, the award recognizes businesses demonstrating commitment to the marketing and promotion of organic food and drink, showing evidence of success in driving growth in the organic market.
“It’s been a great honour to be recognized at the BOOM awards, especially since there were other great nominees in our category,” the store’s Dorothea Warlich told NPN. “It’s really nice to have been recognized for all our hard work, and to see that other people are enjoying our new shop is a great feeling!”
Locavore’s enthusiasm and passion for organic was obvious in their entry to the BOOM awards, as well as on their website and through feedback from other experts in the field
So what factors does Warlich believe made Locavore stand out from the crowd? “I think our shop is pretty unique – at least in Scotland. There aren’t many places with our range of organic products, and we also have our market gardens supplying super fresh local produce to our shop and the veg boxes. With our new shop we are also able to support packaging-free zero waste shopping on a greater scale, and our organic cafe makes the shop a nice place to stay for longer, too. Finally, as a community interest company we are committed to use all profits to promote local, sustainable food, and I think our customers really appreciate that.”
Speaking about why Locavore was chosen, Finn Cottle, trade consultant for Soil Association Certification and category judge, says: “Locavore have a really clear and simple strategy to bring affordable food to all, while taking an end to end approach to sourcing good, organic food. The judges thought their overall concept was progressive and inspiring, and helped to modernize how organic is seen, making it feel accessible to new customers who may not otherwise have engaged with. Locavore’s enthusiasm and passion for organic was obvious in their entry to the BOOM awards, as well as on their website and through feedback from other experts in the field.”
Pictured L-R: Patrick Tobin (Marigold Health Foods); Briony Williams (award compere and Great British Bake Off contestant); Reuben Chesters (Locavore MD); and Clare McDermott (Soil Association Certification)
