Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards Reveals their Regional Winners

On Monday 25^th April specialist retailers, suppliers and the Awards judges came together in person at Farm Shop & Deli Show to celebrate the very best of the sector as the Regional Winners were announced to a packed audience.

 For 2022, the Awards recognised specialist retailers who are doing their part to create a better world through sustainable initiatives, whilst supporting their customers, communities and suppliers.

The nomination and entry campaign commenced in January and February this year, where consumers and suppliers were invited to nominate worthy contenders, and specialist retailers were invited to enter. From over 100 entries, our judging panel whittled this down to 51 finalists, announced in early April, with the nine regional winners announced on Monday 25^th April.

Nigel Barden, Chair of Judges for the Awards commented: “We had some fabulous entries, many reflecting how resourceful retailers have been in the food and drink sector, as they faced another very different and challenging year. Our judges had a difficult task drawing up the regional shortlists and winners for this year’s Farm Shop & Deli Awards, as there were some remarkable entries reflecting how resourceful many in the food and drink sector are, particularly with the emphasis being focused on recycling, waste and sustainability. It is heartening to see how much these talented, resourceful and diligent entrants care about their businesses and it was a privilege to read about them and celebrate them at the winners announcement.”

The winners by region:

East Anglia

The Grundisburgh Dog Delicatessen Ltd, Woodbridge

Judges’ comments:
“I think this is a really good strong story – I love the fact that the pandemic has resulted in additional services being bought to this village community. Clear red lines on sustainability and excellent social on Instagram.”

“This sounds a very special place and an instant success within its community. I appreciate the team’s sustainability efforts as well as their innovation and proactivity.”

Midlands

Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop, Bakewell

Judges’ comments:

“Long established farm shop that is constantly moving forward with the ever changing times but keeping the ethos of a traditional farm shop. Stocking locally sourced produce, helping with sustainability by introducing self serve produce, zero to landfill policy.”

“Employment to local people, staff training and listening to staff on a regular basis. All in all a very good all round business.”

North East

Town End Farm Shop, Skipton

Judges’ comments:

“Phew, I almost had to lie down after reading that list of hugely and highly commendable aspects to this small yet super dynamic farm shop out near Malham. He certainly does have his finger on the button here and quietly, seemingly just gets on with the job in hand and I found his list of eco-credentials not just extensive but also in areas that I had certainly not thought of before which was a real standout for me.”

“I really like this entry, lots of what I want to see in an entry. Supporting other businesses, making charcuterie on site, good, innovative sustainable solutions, investment in staff, community support, local producers name-checked.”

Northern Ireland

Cunningham Butchers, Food Hall & Steak House, Kilkeel

Judges’ comments:

“Great cutting down on packaging and looking for local suppliers. This will undoubtedly all help the local economy. They are also trying hard for their staff.”

“Demonstrate a real and genuine local and Irish pride and theme wish products and suppliers”

“Good news about putting veg & fruit in paper bags & selling local wagyu. Obviously being well supported by their community as sales went up 20%.”

North West

The Lambing Shed Farm Shop Ltd, Knutsford

Judges’ comments:

“Really nice looking business, can see where it is looking to reduce its carbon footprint and really like the investment in its people. Nice website and social feeds too. Looks like somewhere I’d like to visit.”

“The Lambing Shed sounds superb – ticking all the boxes for me in terms of looking after staff, sustainability, innovation during the pandemic and being a community hub.”

“Looks like this team were quick to respond to pandemic – with the results being they are a much more successful business. Excellent looking place and can’t wait to drop in.”

Scotland

The Cheese Lady, Haddington

Judges’ comments:

“Love this – it has real personality, great website – especially the “I like..” section to provide other cheeses you might like. Entry covers all the basis and good to see a forward looking focus on sustainability.”

“Fabulous to change business around in such short time- using all there skills- book etc. can only judge by the website the cheeses look incredible!!”

South East

Basil & Tom’s, Acton

Judges’ comments:

“Wow. What an amazing journey doing good along the way. I hope the community supports you going forward like you have supported them.”

“Stepped up impressively during the pandemic despite being a young business, providing excellent support for the community.”

“Great growth and adaption during the pandemic. Really pleased to see a successful high street business, lovely looking store, great website and use of social media, wish I was more local!”

South West

Pipers Farm, Cullompton

Judges’ comments:

“Fantastic operation. Serious and yet still genuinely ethical sustainable business. Ticks all  boxes with bells on.”

“A long established business over 33 years, which constantly challenges itself, such as spending 70k on a new SI (Systems Integrated) into their new fulfilment site & also hiring a dedicated farms relationship manager. Peter & Henri Greig work closely with 45 small farmers who share their free range, grass fed ethos.”

“One of their customers sums it up perfectly: “I have had a number of orders over the last few years & have never been disappointed. I like the ethical production, the assurance that animals are free range & grass-fed & that every bit of packaging is recyclable.””

Wales

Forage Farm Shop and Kitchen, Cowbridge

Judges’ comments:

“Well presented application. Excellent sustainability. Good care of staff. Good care of farm land. Like the idea of going to schools to encourage young interest something we should all do more of.”

“A remarkably funky purpose built farm shop on the Penllyn Estate Farm near Cowbridge, which opened in 2020. There are numerous great initiatives such as transitioning to a regenerative farming system, supplying meat to Cowbridge Comprehensive & the head butcher teaching a butchery skills session at the school. Zero-waste policy with the butchery operating a whole carcass model, working with the kitchen to use excess cuts. Left-over produce is donated to Llamau, a local homeless charity. Much of the shop’s produce is supplied by the estate & they’ve looked at their agricultural & retail activities holistically when reviewing their sustainability achievements. An impressive entry, with lots to talk about.”

To find out more about Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards, visit https://www.farmshopanddelishow.co.uk/awards.