Arkadia has been honoured with the Waitrose International Partner of the Year Award by the leading and award-winning British food retailer in recognition of its top performance in representing and growing the Waitrose business in Malta and Gozo.
Waitrose products are available in the two Arkadia foodstores in Portomaso and Gozo and the Arkadia FoodExpress in Swatar and Paceville.
"Every year, Waitrose scrutinises the performance of its brand where it is represented abroad to be considered for an award in recognition of the support received," said Mark Francis, Waitrose International. "It is with great pleasure that we announce Arkadia as this year's winner for their constant effort to grow the visibility and demand for Waitrose exclusive products in Malta and Gozo."
The recognition was based on Arkadia's growth in sales of Waitrose products of more than 70% over the past year. Waitrose also praised Arkadia's first-class merchandising standards, particularly in the Home department at the Arkadia Commercial Centre in Gozo, the continuous promotion of the Waitrose brand across the Maltese territory and the expansion of chilled produce.
"I am delighted with the way the relationship between us has developed since the early days of trading in 2013, and I still believe that there is more to come as Arkadia continues to expand further. The Waitrose management congratulates the Arkadia team for this well-deserved award," said Mr Francis.
Arkadia managing director Brian Mizzi recalled how he realised the synergies potential between Waitrose and Arkadia Foodstore when he was shopping from the Waitrose shop in Kings Road, London.
Arkadia introduced Waitrose in Malta in 2013 to match customers' increasing demand for quality in what they eat, as part of their daily diet or for special occasions. Arkadia are the sole providers of Waitrose's exclusive ranges: Duchy Originals, Essential Waitrose, Heston from Waitrose, Love Life, Waitrose Organic, Seriously and Cooks' Ingredients.
The British food industry is a major force in global culinary trends and produce from the British Isles is celebrated and increasingly well-known through the abundance of personality and celebrity chefs and TV foodies. In fact, Waitrose partners with top chefs and author Delia Smith and Heston Blumenthal to select ingredients and create some ingenious and mouthwatering dishes, as well as advise customers on cookery, bakery and entertaining tips.
Chief Operating officer Maria Micallef expressed her satisfaction for this achievement, saying that "Waitrose represents the quality Arkadia Foodstore strives to provide to its customers".
"This award could only be achieved through the great commitment and teamwork of our people. I am proud of them," said Antoine Portelli, general manager.