26 August 2014, 10:02 AM

These facts have been drifting around for some time and are ones easily quantifiable. Some of the impacts of local foods and the outlets promoting and selling these foods though are less apparent and difficult to measure. Yet, it is impossible to deny that their influence is immense.  Judging for the 2013-14 Farm Shop & Deli Awards, for me, involved a marathon journey visiting farm shops, butchers, food halls and delis. The spread of these outlets reached right across the north of England, the Midlands and Scotland. 

There was a passion in almost every outlet I visited. A passion born out of personal ownership and a set of values to provide high quality, sustainable, goods. Also, given that in many the seller is also the producer, the care shown was also reflected in a pride to produce the best.

Relationship was the word I heard most frequently on my visits and reading customer feedback. Both shopper and shop owner acknowledged their relationship was a precious one, as are the ones with growers, suppliers, and importantly, the relationship to the food. This relationship is built on trust, both in where our food comes from and what it contains. The supermarkets have severely damaged that trust recently - with the cause already well documented. However, this has only stood to reinforce the importance of the relationship with farm shops, delis et al and that their local, high-quality goods can be trusted.

Providing benefits to the local economy is just one part of the role of these outlets. Along the way I heard many stories of their involvement in the wider community by providing food boxes for elderly residents, supporting local charities, working with schools, care homes and many more.

It not just the relationship and care of customers, though of course that is paramount. One leading farm shop was looking at how to extend their offer beyond what they do (very well) already. They immediately turned down a suggestion of opening a café, as this would impede on another local business, therefore was out of the question. In this sector, the care and protection of fellow businesses, suppliers and growers is often refreshing.

I came away from the visits with a renewed respect right across this sector. There is no denying everyone works incredibly hard, and that they suffer undeservedly from the effect of the supermarkets and major retailers with their price cutting and special offers.

Nevertheless, the Awards finalists I visited had a clear ethos, great pride and an outstanding passion for what they do. They are rewarded by a loyal customer base. Everyone wins.

Farm Shop & Deli Awards are free to enter and open to all independent, speciality retailers selling fresh, farm produce or with a delicatessen counter. For more information or to enter online visit www.farmshopanddeliawards.co.uk.