31 August 2016, 09:08 AM

What our judges look for

Every November finds Food & Drink Journalist/Broadcaster Nigel Barden, Chair of judges, and Food Writer and Co-chair of judges, Elaine Lemm joined by their team of judges, which includes experts from the world of speciality retail, fine food and food media, to evaluate the online entries and consumer votes for the Farm Shop & Deli Awards.


Faced with the high standard of entries they receive for category, regional and overall ‘Farm Shop & Deli Retailer of the Year’, it is a difficult task for them to whittle down the finalists before commencing their ‘secret visits’. Watch the video below to find out what they look for in an entry and what made Arthur Howell a worthy winner in 2016.


Why consumer votes count

Customer comments are important to the judging process and a chance to show support for local retailers. The consumer votes help decide the category, regional and overall Farm Shop & Deli Retailer of the Year Award winners. 

During the judging day, the Award’s judges come together to review all category entries as well as the online consumer votes they have received. Based on quality of comments, rather than the quantity of votes, these consumer votes really do contribute towards deciding the shortlist for the Awards finalists.

Voting is a quick and easy process. Retailers who enter will receive a voting pack with all the tools they need to raise awareness of their entries and drive their consumer votes before the closing date, end October 2016.

Consumers can visit the ‘2017 Entrants’ web page at farmshopanddelishow.co.uk/awards, select the retailer(s) they wish to vote for and submit their entry online. Online voting closes on 31 October 2016 and all voters will be entered into a prize draw to win a food hamper from the Farm Shop & Deli Awards team.


It’s not too late to celebrate your speciality

Enter for free today and your business could be the star of the 2017 Farm Shop & Deli Awards.

It’s a fantastic way for specialist retailers in the food and drink sector to showcase all the great work you and your team are doing nationally and with your local customers. By entering you can raise your company profile, generate positive PR for your business and put your work and achievements in front of a highly regarded panel of judges.

Want to put your business in the spotlight? The deadline to enter these prestigious Awards is Friday 16th September – and judges are seeking out ambitious artisan retailers just like you.


Business benefits

Entering the awards may be free, but the benefits of winning can be priceless.

“Being named Retailer of the Year 2016 has given my business a fantastic boost,” says successful Norfolk butcher, fishmonger and deli-owner Arthur Howell.

“I’ve recently seen a 20% increase in the number of local hotels and restaurants I supply and I believe that extra business has been generated as a direct result of the award. I have the Retailer of the Year 2016 logo incorporated on my delivery vehicles. It’s been a real talking point and I think the award has made my customers even more assured of the quality of the produce I provide.”


Five reasons to enter the Farm Shop & Deli Awards:

1. Entering is an easy, FREE way to boost your business.

2. In addition, you can gain invaluable national and local PR exposure.

3. Winners, finalists and many entrants will be highlighted on the Award’s 8,000-strong Twitter feed so you can share your success through social media.

4. You can use the prized Farm Shop & Deli Awards logo to endorse your products in-store.

5. Sharing your entry with customers and staff celebrates the pride you take in your shop.