Algarve-based supermarket chain Apolónia Supermercados has been awarded the Prémio Mercúrio, Mercury Prize, a new award aimed at recognising quality in the retail sector. It was awarded to Apolónia’s Galé store in Albufeira and received by company director Paulo Apolónia at a gala on May 21 in the Plaza Ribeiro Telles events centre, in Vila Franca de Xira, near Lisbon. The Prémio Mercúrio is a new initiative in Portugal, created with the aim to identify, recognise and award companies and personalities that have consistently contributed to the improvement of the trade and service industry and of professions within the sector. This award, promoted by the Trade Confederation and Services of Portugal and the Lisbon Commerce School, was organised into several different categories, with the winner in each chosen as the best example of originality, innovation, training, competence, entrepreneurism and social responsibility. Winner in the food trade category, the Galé store, Apolónia Supermercados’ second outlet in the region, and the f irst to be built entirely from scratch, opened in the Praia de Galé area in 2008.
CUSTOMER LOYALTY
Companies and personalities from other areas were also recognised by the jury, presided over by Ferreira do Amaral, in the following categories: Shops with History, Non-Food Trade, Online Trade, New Concepts, Training and Professional Activity, Young Entrepreneur and Personality of the year. Several well known names connected to the world of trade and services were present at the gala, highlighting the best in Portugal’s trade industry during 2008. Presented by actor Diogo Infante, the event featured entertainment from Full Art and Joana Amendoeira. Apolónia Supermercados, S.A. operates primarily in the supermarket Food Retail sector. With its Head Office in Estoi, Faro, and stores in Almancil and Albufeira, the company can look back over 26 years of service to the community. Speaking to the Algarve Resident, company director Paulo Apolónia stressed his gratitude to customers and employees: “Without the support and dedicat ion of our customers, as well as that of our staff members, this award would not have been possible.”
