After a lengthy search, we are delighted to announce the winner of the 2023 Naturally Good Health Retailer of the Year Award.
Earlier this year, we launched our search for Ireland’s best health food store and were overwhelmed by the sheer amount of votes we received from shoppers. This demonstrated just how many incredible health stores there are across Ireland and what a difference these shops make to the lives of customers.
What was clear in the nominations is that independent health food stores are not simply places to buy product. They are community resources, a place where customers feel they can visit, talk about their issues and feel listened to, supported and helped.
After receiving nominations for a great many different stores, the list was whittled down to six stores, who were then judged by the team at Naturally Good Health, along with our friends at Terranova Nutrition, which was our proud sponsor. And we can now reveal the 2023 winner to be Fruit & Nut Health Store, in Portlaoise.
This store, which was our runner-up in 2022, truly acts as an important community hub and customers voted in their droves. Comments from After a lengthy search, we are delighted to announce the winner of the 2023 Naturally Good Health Retailer of the Year Award. Comments from shoppers included, “Not once have I walked into the store and the staff haven’t been smiling. All questions are answered either straight away or will research and get back to you”, and, “They may be small but they are mighty. They have an incredible product range. The staff are very friendly and so knowledgeable – always willing to spend the time with you to make sure you get the best product for your needs”.
Meanwhile, another customer wrote: “Bernadette and staff are so knowledgeable about their products in store, they always listen and give helpful advice. I always leave the store in good form.” And another said: “Continually provide excellent customer service with in depth knowledge of all products and exceptional patience and kindness to customers. Always feel I will receive honest and intelligent feedback to any query. Pleasure to visit store.”
Commenting on winning the 2023 title, owner, Bernadette Cass, enthused: “We feel privileged and honoured that our fantastic customers voted in numbers for us, The Fruit N Nut Health Store, in the Naturally Good Health Retailer of the Year Award. We are over the moon! We are proud to support our customers’ ongoing quest in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A huge thank you to all our wonderful customers.” Congratulating her on the win, Rachel Symonds, Editor at Naturally Good Health, commented: “This magazine is dedicated to supporting independent health food stores, and our annual award has just proved how many incredible stores there are, serving an important role in communities across Ireland.
“Bernadette and her team shone brightly in the nominations for their support, knowledge, advice and product range, and winning the award is testament to their efforts – we congratulate the store on their welldeserved win.”
Laura Downes, Trainer and Nutritional Advisor at Terranova Nutrition, added: “Terranova are so thrilled to sponsor the Naturally Good Health Retailer of the Year Award. It was a hard decision to choose the winner as there were so many wonderful votes from customers who truly love their local health store. Each health store is an important pillar in the community, sharing not only invaluable health advice but providing access to a diverse range of nutritious foods, supplements and wellness products. This award is special as it recognises the individual health stores’ hard work and contribution in their local community.
“Congratulations to the winner, Fruit ‘N Nut Health Store, whose dedication to the health store industry has set a standard, brightening the path for others to achieve. Bernadette and her team promote health and vitality to their community and truly deserve this recognition by winning this award. Congratulations to all who entered, those that were shortlisted and our fantastic runner-up, Nature’s Gold.”
Full list of accolades:
Winner: Fruit & Nut Health Store, Portlaoise
Runner-up: Nature’s Gold, Greystones
Shortlisted:
Bee Healthy, Monaghan
New Harmony, Tuam
The Aloe Tree, Ennistymon
Wild Poppy, Clane