The Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards 2025 Launch For Entries!

Calling all independent specialist retailers from across the UK! Farm Shop & Deli Show launches the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards 2025, in partnership with The Grocer and championed by Fieldfare.

After a record-breaking year of entries, the prestigious free-to-enter Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards returns for 2025, playing a fundamental role within the industry in supporting and celebrating the UK’s independent specialist retail market across six categories and seven regions.

Entering these awards is a fantastic opportunity for businesses from the specialist retail sector to raise their profile within the industry, evaluate their business through feedback from the judges, network with industry professionals as well as celebrate their success with staff and stakeholders – all their hard work and dedication needs to be celebrated!

Mark Kacary, Managing Director at Norfolk Deli and 2024’s Best Retailer Delicatessen and Anglia Regional Winner, commented on the awards saying that:

“I would encourage other retailers to enter because the entry process gives you an opportunity to think about your business… it gives you an opportunity to concisely outline your business, which in the line will probably help you long term actually understand your business more.”

There have also been some changes to the awards and entry process this year, including:

• Revised Categories: They are looking for the best specialist retailers and businesses across six categories and seven regions, alongside Newcomer of the Year and of course the well-renowned Retailer of the Year.  
• Clearer Scoring: The entry form now indicates to entrants the points allocated per question, and how they can maximise them.
• New Judges: The awards are welcoming some new additions to the 2025 judging team including Amy North, Editor British Baker, Radley Russell from Farm Retail Association, Eleanor O’Brien from National Craft Butchers and Karen Dear from Craft Bakers Association.
• Event Supporters: In addition to the Award Champions Fieldfare, these awards are proudly supported by Fabulous Farm Shops, Farm Retail Association and Go Jute.

The esteemed panel of judges from across the industry, led by Chair of Judges Nigel Barden and Co-Chair of Judges Elaine Lemm, will evaluate what initiatives the retailers have implemented over the last 12 months to develop and grow their store or business.

Commenting on the judging process, Co-Chair of Judges Elaine Lemm shares what she is looking for in an award-winning entry:

“What I am looking for, particularly in the early stages when I am doing the online judging, is to learn about you and your story. What is it about you and your business? It could be about the people that you work with, it may be the product, the producers it could be your history and heritage. I need you to tell me that story because through it I can learn about you, your business and the people you work with.”

No matter how large or small steps may be, or what financial investment have been made, if businesses have demonstrated sustainability initiatives, engagement and support with their local community and staff development then the Retailer Awards want to hear about!

To enter, businesses should head to the website and complete the free online entry form – make sure to enter by the deadline Friday 27th September 2024.

The winners will be revealed at the Farm Shop & Deli Show at the NEC Birmingham from 7-9 April 2025, uniting the specialist retail sector under one roof for a day of celebration!

Visit the website to find out more and enter the awards: farmshopanddelishow.co.uk/awards