Seven Squared

Sainsbury's Magazine's triple triumph at PPA Awards

01 July 2009

Sainsbury’s Magazine, published by Seven Squared, is a triple winner after
scooping the top customer magazine award at the annual Periodical Publishers Association (PPA) awards for the third time. It is the only magazine to have won the prestigious Customer Magazine of the Year award so many times. And this week’s triumph was the second win in a row for Seven Squared. Sainsbury’s was ahead of ASOS men’s magazine, also published by Seven Squared.  

Sainsbury’s was recognised for publishing excellence in its 15th year. Judges recognised that the magazine, which regularly sells over 300,000 copies a month, nurtures an emotional relationship between the brand and its customers, making them feel good about food. The magazine is also an impressive commercial success.

Independent research showed that 57% of readers made purchases in Sainsbury's as a direct result of reading the magazine. In addition, 75% of readers said the magazine encouraged them to try new things in store. Innovations in 2008 included a refreshed magazine in a new format and containing new sections. A birthday issue supplement told the story of the food revolution that has changed the way people shop, cook and eat, and highlighted the magazine's influential role in this revolution.

The judges panel ruled: “This could be called the lifetime achievement award – after 15 years, Sainsbury's Magazine is now even more popular with its readers after the 2008 refresh. The re-launch figures are extremely impressive. This is a magazine that is not only popular as a magazine in its own right, but has proved hugely effective in creating a strong relationship with Sainsbury's.”

For Seven Squared this is two years in a row winning the top customer magazine award at the PPA Awards. Last year Seven Squared won for ASOS women’s magazine.

Sean King, Seven Squared CEO, said: “To win the PPA Customer Magazine of the Year for a third time is a tremendous achievement for everyone involved with Sainsbury’s Magazine. No other customer magazine is bought by more than 300,000 consumers every month.

“And I’m especially pleased that we have won this much-coveted award for two years in succession, which just shows the breadth and depth of talent we have here. Our creative and commercial teams have the skills and vision to give our clients the edge over their competitors at a time when it matters most. ”

Sainsbury’s National Advertising Manager Tom Hampson said: “Winning this award is great recognition for the fantastic job that Sainsbury’s Magazine does in reinforcing our unique food credentials to our customers.”