UK’s Standout Specialist Retailers Named as Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards 2026 Finalists

UK’s Standout Specialist Retailers Named as Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards 2026 Finalists

From village stores breathing life back into rural communities to pioneering farm shops redefining local food retail, the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards 2026 have today unveiled their finalists – shining a spotlight on the most inspiring independent food retailers across the UK.

Recognising businesses that combine success with community impact, the Awards celebrate independent retailers championing British produce, sustainable sourcing and exceptional customer experience – from long‑standing family businesses to ambitious newcomers reshaping the sector.

Championed by Fieldfare, and delivered in partnership with The Grocer, the 2026 Awards reflect the strength and innovation of the UK’s specialist retail sector, recognising retailers not just surviving, but evolving and thriving amid shifting consumer demands and economic pressures.

A diverse nationwide shortlist reflecting local excellence

Reflecting the breadth of today’s specialist retail landscape, this year’s shortlisted businesses span eight categories and nine UK regions, covering everything from village stores and artisanal business to farm shops and fast-growing online retail specialists.

In total, 54 businesses have been shortlisted across the following categories:

The Newcomer of the Year category highlights emerging retailers already demonstrating strong commercial promise and clear customer appeal within their local markets.

A rigorous and transparent judging process

Finalists were selected following a detailed judging programme, culminating in an in‑person Judging Day at Fortnum & Mason in London. Hundreds of entries were reviewed by a panel from across the retail, wholesale and wider food industry.

Entries were assessed on a wide range of criteria, including business performance, innovation, sustainability, customer engagement and testimonials from suppliers and shoppers – ensuring the shortlist reflects genuine excellence in independent retail.

The Awards are sponsored by Go Jute, Mudwalls Group and The EPOS Bureau, and supported by the Farm Retail Association and Fabulous Farm Shops – reinforcing their position as a trusted benchmark for specialist retail success.

Lucie Morigeon, Marketing Executive, Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards (William Reed) said:

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the calibre of the entries in this years’ Retailer Awards – it has been a pleasure to help bring us all together to reward and celebrate specialist retailers working so hard in the tough economic climate we see ourselves in at the moment.

We pride ourselves on delivering a judging process built on consistency, integrity and genuine industry expertise. Our diverse panel of judges – including former Retailer of the Year winners, industry specialists and wholesalers – brings a balanced and experienced perspective to every entry, making being named a finalist or winner such a meaningful achievement. Many congratulations to all our 2026 finalists!”

Winners to be revealed live

Regional winners will be selected from the category finalists and, with the ‘Retailer of the Year’ accolade, ‘Newcomer of the Year’, ‘Best in Category’ and ‘Best in Region’ Awards up for grabs, the winners’ announcement will take place on Monday 13 April at 15:15, during the Farm Shop & Deli Show, part of the award‑winning UK Food & Drink Shows.

👉 View the full list of 2026 shortlisted finalists and find out more about the Awards:
https://event.farmshopanddelishow.co.uk/retailer-awards

The finalists by category in full:

Butcher:

Delicatessen:

Farm Shop Large:

Farm Shop Small:

Independent local shop/Village store:

Online business:

Other Specialist Retailer:

Newcomer of the Year:

About The UK Food & Drink Shows

The UK Food & Drink Shows bring together four leading events under one roof, offering three days of insight, innovation and inspiration for food and drink professionals across the supply chain.

Farm Shop & Deli Show runs alongside Food & Drink Expo, National Convenience Show and Forecourt Show.

More information:
https://www.farmshopanddelishow.co.uk/

Farm Shop & Deli Show is part of The UK Food & Drink Shows, run by William Reed Ltd.