New Category Announced For Farm Shop & Deli Awards 2015

The Farm Shop & Deli Awards celebrate high levels of product knowledge, innovation, service, initiative and community involvement within the retail sector of the speciality food world, and are judged by an expert panel including Nigel Barden, chair of judges.

As well as the newly-launched Retail Group sector, for retailers which have more than one site, categories include Farm Shop, Delicatessen, Baker, Butcher, Cheesemonger, Garden Centre, Greengrocer, Fishmonger, Food Hall, Online Business, Local Shop and Market.

2014’s Farm Shop & Deli Awards saw 300 entries, double the number seen at founding partner Olives Et Al’s Deli of the Year awards in 2013 which the FS&D awards developed from.

Jack Halliday, director of Farm Shop & Deli Show said, “The introduction of our new category and increasing entrant numbers mirrors the growth in the UK Farm Shop & Deli sector. This growth is being driven by great independent retailers and their high levels of customer service, product knowledge and community spirit. All things that set them apart from mainstream retail.

“All the experiential factors, together with the great retail products and seasonal produce, link directly to a consumer demand for fresh sourcing and providence. Something that arguably, this sector can deliver better than anywhere else.

“The Farm Shop & Deli sector is delivering increased interest, passion and conversation in the UK food and drink market, what better platform than the Farm Shop & Deli Awards for business growth in the UK.”

Open to all independent retailers with a delicatessen counter of selling regional or fresh/farm produce, the awards are free to enter; enter online at www.farmshopanddeliawards.co.uk

The overall winner will be announced at Farm Shop & Deli Show at Birmingham’s NEC on 20th April 2015.