Aldi has beaten more expensive supermarket rivals including M&S, Waitrose and Sainsbury's after its premium own-brand food range was named the best in the country for the second year running.
The discount supermarket's Specially Selected range has been crowned Own Label Range of the Year at the Quality Food Awards (QFAs), with judges recognising its food quality across a wide range of products.
Aldi also took home 17 medals in total – including three golds, eight silvers and six bronzes – putting it ahead of some of the UK's biggest grocery names.
The results will be particularly welcome news for shoppers looking to buy premium food without paying the prices often associated with higher-end supermarket ranges.
The Quality Food Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts, including chefs, food scientists and food writers. Products are assessed on factors including ingredients, taste, aroma, packaging and value for money.
Among Aldi's biggest winners were three products that secured gold medals in their respective categories.
Its Specially Selected Premium Wagyu Denver Steaks, priced at £6.99 for 227g, won Best Beef, while the £3.69 Gastro Mac & Cheese took the Best Ready Meals title.
The supermarket also won Best Smoked Fish for its Specially Selected Lightly Smoked Scottish Salmon Fillets, which cost £4.29 for 240g.
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All three products are available in Aldi stores now.
Other familiar products from the range also received recognition, with silver medals awarded to:
- Specially Selected Davidstow Vintage Cheddar: £2.29 for 200g.
- Specially Selected 6 Golden Yolk Eggs: £1.99 for a pack of six.
- Specially Selected Beer Battered Cod: £4.49 for a pack of two.
Aldi's latest award follows another successful year at the Quality Food Awards. The retailer was named QFA Christmas Retailer of the Year in September, while its Specially Selected East Anglian Fresh Whole Goose, priced at £11.99 per kg, won Christmas Product of the Year.
Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: "Our team of buyers and suppliers work hard all year to ensure our Specially Selected range is the best for both quality and price - and being named Own Label Range of the Year by the prestigious QFAs is fantastic recognition of that, and proof that shoppers don’t have to pay more to eat well.
"We’re particularly delighted to retain the title for a second year running - it’s a wonderful way to round off a fantastic year."
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