Aldi takes top prize at Retail Industry Awards 2008

Judges said that Aldi's success was down to its good financial performance in the past 12 months, despite difficult trading conditions as the economy struggles.

In the second quarter of this year, the discount retailer's sales grew by 21% - while they jumped by 40% in August.

Elsewhere, Morrisons was crowned Supermarket of the Year, fending off strong competition from Asda, Tesco and the Co-operative Group.

Judges praised its outstanding business performance, with one commenting that Morrisons' time had finally come.

Morrisons was also successful in the Store Manager of the Year and Fresh Flower Supermarket of the Year categories.

Tesco walked away with the Environmental Retailer of the Year gong, with Sainsbury's, last year's winner of the best supermarket prize, named best seafood retailer.

Costcutter won the Fascia Group of the Year prize, while Shelley's News in Horsham, Sussex, was the Independent Newsagent of the Year.

Convenience Chain of the Year was The Co-operative Group, as Henderson (Spar) walked away with the regional convenience award.

Follow the link for a full list of winners from the Retail Industry Awards 2008.