Asda is now the first retailer to win the Best Supermarket Curry Award at both the Scottish and English Curry Awards in the same year.
The supermarket was presented with the second award at the Takeaway.com English Curry Awards this month, having achieved the Scottish equivalent in June.
The retailer beat competition from other shortlisted supermarkets Tesco and Marks & Spencer in the battle for the award. The result was decided by nominations from the public.
“It’s safe to say that Asda won its category by an impressive margin, with the most nominations by far,” says Yasmin Mahmood of Oceanic Consulting, organiser of the event.
“To win both the Scottish and English Curry awards in the same year is a fantastic achievement. It’s clear that, when it comes to making delicious curries, Asda and S&A Foods are doing something right!”
Humble beginnings
The double accolade comes as S&A Foods celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
The company was founded by ceo Perween Warsi, who began making samosas in her own kitchen when she first arrived in the country because she was disappointed with the quality of the UK’s Indian cuisine.
“Quality is in the DNA of S&A Foods. It’s heartening to see that, 25 years after making our first curry, we’re still number one. The award is a tribute to colleagues for delivering consistent quality every day,” says Warsi.
“I won the Asda contract when I was still working from home. They waited for our first factory to open as they had faith in our quality. I will never compromise on quality.”
Asda contract
Richard Weaver, buyer for Asda, adds: “It’s a fantastic achievement to have won both the Scottish and English Curry Awards, and how apt that this double accolade has been achieved in S&A Foods’ 25th year.
“We’d like to congratulate and thank everyone who works tirelessly to ensure we offer a delicious, authentic curry range for our customers – and we promise to keep delivering!”
Warsi could make two crowns three next month, as she is in the running to win the Personality of the Year in the 2012 Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards.
Readers of sister title Food Manufacture have been voting for their favourite personality online from a shortlist of six candidates. The results will be announced at an event in London’s Hilton in Park Lane on November 5.
Will Warsi be the people’s choice again? For a chance to be there when the news is announced, call Rebecca George on 01293 610422, email rebecca.george@wrbm.com. More details about the Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards can be found here.