Waitrose named best supermarket as Which? consumer award-winners for 2014 revealed

Other winners included budget newcomer Giffgaff as the best telecom services provider

The Which? Awards named Waitrose as the UK's best supermarket and John Lewis as best retailer (Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

Waitrose has been named the UK's best supermarket at the 2014 Which? Awards, providing an annual stock-take of the top performers in consumer services each year.

The high-end supermarket beat competition from fellow nominees Marks and Spencer, Ocado, Aldi and Lidl, with none of the so-called "big four" market leaders coming close.

John Lewis retained its 2013 award for best retailer, while there was a surprise victory for newcomer Giffgaff as the best telecom services provider, which Which? said offered "excellent" value for money.

The gongs were handed out at an award ceremony in central London today, where proceedings were overseen by the TV presenter Natasha Kaplinsky.

Apple won best computing brand, Samsung took the title of best audio-visual brand and Panasonic was named best photography brand.

Mazda took the title of best car manufacturer, while Bosch won best home appliance company and the best customer service award went to high street cosmetics firm Lush.

In awarding Waitrose the award for best supermarket Which? said it won for "performing consistently highly for its in-store and online offerings".

Which? group chief executive Peter Vicary-Smith said: "The Which? awards celebrate the very best of business in the UK, each year recognising those companies and individuals that consistently deliver for consumers.

"Good businesses are crucial to building a stronger and more sustainable economy, and Which? will continue to highlight the firms getting it right."

In his keynote speech, Confederation of British Industry (CBI) director general John Cridland said: "Businesses of all sizes, in all sectors and in all regions of the UK are the driving force behind our economic recovery, delivering growth and more jobs.

"They do this by providing excellent products and services that customers want and we should shout about their successes.

"I'm delighted to be able to support the Which? awards to celebrate some of our leading consumer-facing businesses."