This year’s top retailers in the specialist food and drink retail market have been revealed at the 2022 Farm Shop & Deli Show.
This year, the panel of expert judges had particular focus on businesses that had undertaken sustainable initiatives while also supporting their customers, communities and suppliers. More than 100 entries were whittled to a shortlist of 51 finalists, with nine winners announced at The Farm Shop & Deli Show in the NEC, Birmingham, yesterday (25 April).
The winning entries reflected how resourceful retailers had been as they faced another challenging year, said chairman of the judges Nigel Barden. “There were some remarkable entries, particularly with the emphasis being focused on recycling, waste and sustainability.”
It was “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” he added.
Here is the full list of winners, and the reasons why the judges felt they stood out in a strong pool of entrants.
East Anglia
The Grundisburgh Dog Delicatessen, Woodbridge
The judges said: “This is a very special place and an instant success within its community. Judges appreciate the team’s sustainability efforts as well as their innovation and proactivity.”
Midlands
Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop, Bakewell
The judges said: “This long-established shop is constantly moving forward with the times but keeping the ethos of a traditional farm shop. Stocking locally sourced produce, helping with sustainability by introducing self-serve produce and a zero-to-landfill policy.”
North East
Town End Farm Shop, Skipton
The judges said: “This shop has many commendable traits including supporting other businesses, making charcuterie on site, innovative sustainable solutions, investment in staff, community support and working with local producers.”
Northern Ireland
Cunningham Butchers, Food Hall & Steak House, Kilkeel
The judges said: “This business demonstrates a real and genuine local and Irish pride and theme with products and suppliers. It is obviously being well supported by the local community.”
North West
The Lambing Shed Farm Shop Ltd, Knutsford
The judges said: “The Lambing Shed ticks all the boxes in terms of looking after staff, sustainability, innovation during the pandemic and being a community hub.”
Scotland
The Cheese Lady, Haddington
The judges said: “This business has real personality and a great website, especially the ‘I like’ section suggesting other cheeses a shopper might like.”
South East
Basil & Tom’s, Acton
The judges said: “Great growth and adaptation during the pandemic. Really pleased to see a successful high street business, lovely looking store, great website and use of social media.”
South West
Pipers Farm, Cullompton
The judges said: “A fantastic operation. Serious and yet genuinely ethical sustainable business. It works closely with 45 small farmers who share its free-range, grass-fed ethos.”
Wales
Forage Farm Shop and Kitchen, Cowbridge
The judges said: “This business has adopted numerous great initiatives such as transitioning to a regenerative farming system, supplying meat to Cowbridge Comprehensive and the head butcher teaching a butchery skills session at the school. Leftover produce is donated to Llamau, a local homeless charity.”
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