South African supermarket group Pick n Pay has been voted the world's best retailer by the world's largest retail trade association, the National Retail Federation (NRF).

The announcement was made yesterday at the NRF’s annual convention and EXPO in New York.

The NRF represents more than 100 state, national and international retail organisations and its members include retailers and suppliers from a range of stores including speciality, discount, catalogue, internet and food stores.

The award is given to a retail firm that has achieved an international reputation for excellence and distinguished service to the retail industry.