Farm Shop & Deli Awards 2016: Local Shop of the Year Finalists Announced – the shortlist for the prestigious awards has been announced with winners due to be unveiled at the show from 18 – 20 April 2016, at the NEC, Birmingham
The finalists for the Farm Shop & Deli Awards, back for the third year by popular demand, have recently been announced (and Welton’s has made the cut yet again!).
The awards, in partnership with Olives Et Al, recognise the best in class in the specialist independent retail market. They celebrate the very best standards, levels of service, product innovation and community involvement in the sector.
Celebrating the best
Simon Hurley, MD Olives Et Al says: “Not only is the show an opportunity for us to connect with customers and suppliers, it also provides a platform to celebrate the best in the industry.
In a sector which has shown continuous growth, the awards highlight the quality and dedication of these independent and speciality businesses.
Now in our third year of sponsorship, Olives Et Al look forward to showcasing the full range at the show next month as well as unveiling some exciting new additions for the year ahead.”
The awards commend retailers’ success in speciality sectors and regions respectively. With over 350 entries nationwide, competition is high to obtain these coveted accolades.
Category awards are up for grabs across 12 different specialisms including Local Shop of the Year and Welton’s is just one of three finalists in the running (so we’d love it if you could spread the good word and show your support).
The team of judges, which includes experts from the world of speciality retail, fine food and food media, has whittled down the entries, carrying out a series of ‘secret’ visits to see the retailers in action.
Scores will be counted and judged along with online votes from consumers ahead of the winners’ unveiling.
‘Standards continue to climb’
Elaine Lemm, the Co-Chair of judges and Food Writer, says: “Every year I feel the standard of entries to the Farm Shop & Deli Awards could not possibly get any higher. Every year I am wrong and this year is no exception.
“From the tiniest of shops, market stalls, and sole traders, to the largest of food halls and farm shops, the passion, dedication, and hard work shines through from everyone, is it any wonder standards continue to climb?
“Everyone who has reached this stage of these prestigious awards should congratulate themselves; you are already winners and for a good reason because you are among the best in the UK.”
Shortlisted already ambassadors
The winners of the awards, also held in association with category sponsors Lakeland Computers and A F Blakemore & Sons Ltd, will be announced at show on Monday 18 April for visitors to get the first glimpse at those companies leading the sector.
Farm Shop & Deli Show Event Director, Jack Halliday, said: “The awards are an excellent way to reward those leading the specialist retail sector.
“They set an exceptional industry standard across the categories and regions through targeted innovation and true understanding of what makes consumers tick.
At Farm Shop & Deli Show, we look to be at the forefront of the industry, and there are no greater ambassadors for this than the current shortlisted companies and our ultimate winners.”
Full list of category finalists for 2016 Farm Shop & Deli Awards
Baker of the Year
Bondgate Bakery / Dee Light Bakery / Hambleton Bakery
Butcher of the Year
Arthur Howell / Clogher Valley Meats / Hopetoun Butchery / Meat NW5 / Walter Rose & Son
Cheesemonger of the Year
Cheese Please / Hartington Cheese & Wine / Paxton & Whitfield / The Courtyard Dairy
Fishmonger of the Year
Latimers Seafood Deli & Café / Ramus Seafoods / Veasey & Sons Fishmongers
Greengrocer of the Year
Andreas of Chelsea Green / K.D. Davis & Sons (The Greengrocers) Ltd
Delicatessen of the Year
Billingtons of Lenzie / Delifonseca Dockside / Don Street Deli / The Gourmet Pig / The Hungry Guest / The Norfolk Deli
Foodhall of the Year
Bakers & Larners of Holt / Cranstons Orton Grange Food Hall / Ludlow Food Centre
Local Shop of the Year 2016
Shropshire’s Own / Siop Pwllglas Community Shop / Welton’s Deli
FarmShop – Large Retailer of the Year
Bodnant Welsh Food / Darts Farm / Keelham Farm Shop / Rhug Estate Farm Shop
FarmShop – Small Retailer of the Year
Cross Lanes Organic Farm Ltd / Foxholes Farm Shop / Loch Leven’s Larder / The Salt Pig Ltd / Uncle Henry’s
Market of the Year
Horsforth Farmers Market / Made in Stroud Ltd (fresh-n-local markets) / My Farmers Market Limited
Online Business of the Year
Alternative Meats Ltd / BoroughBox / Parsnips and Pears
Regional winners will be selected from the above finalists and announced at the show on Monday 18th April.
Farm Shop & Deli Show runs from Monday 18 April through to Wednesday 20 April 2016 and visitors can register for free at www.farmshopanddelishow.co.uk
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