Farm Shop & Deli Award Winners Unveiled
The winners of the Farm Shop & Deli Awards have been announced; the defining
class of 2020, chosen from a prestigious, 51-strong shortlist of UK speciality retailers.
The ceremony was broadcast via social media, following the postponement of the
flagship Farm Shop & Deli Show due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Host Nigel Barden
paid tribute to the ‘phenomenally high’ quality of finalists, adding: “not only do
they patently care about their customers, but the sense of community they’ve
exhibited, particularly recently, shows how fortunate we are to have such
remarkable artisan food retailers, in our midst.”
Spanning 11 categories, as well as a coveted ‘Newcomer of the Year’ gong, the
awards, held in partnership with The Grocer, were founded to recognise the very
best standards in speciality retail and celebrate the highest levels of service,
product knowledge, initiative, innovation and community involvement.
In uncovering the eventual winners, broadcaster, journalist and judges’ chair Nigel,
was joined by a panel including food writer and co-chair Elaine Lemm, Deputy
Editor at British Baker, Amy North, Owner of Wellgate Fisheries and President of the
National Federation of Fishmongers, Giles Shaw, Fresh Foods Reporter at The
Grocer, Henry Sandercock and Richard Nicholson from Cannon Hall Farm Shop –
2019’s Retailer of the Year award winners.
Nigel said: “From a fantastic collection of speciality retailer finalists, dedicated to
artisan quality, service and the communities they serve, we now have the very
best of the best! What a fabulous group of winners they are; shining beacons in
their respective fields – truly 2020’s finest!”
The announcement was completed by the reveal of the 2020 Retailer of the Year.
In addition to winning Cheesemonger of the Year and the regional award for
Swinscoes & their young family live on site & have their own stock grazing in the
surrounding fields. The idea of a cheese vending machine for emergency out of
hours purchases is a stroke of genius & just another example of how the Swinscoes
inspire themselves, their 10 staff & a legion of adoring customers. A truly worthy
winner of our Retailer of the Year accolade.”
The Winners in full:
Wales
The Little Cheesemonger, Rhuddlan, Denbighshire
Judges said: “A small but impressive operation with the owner taking her wares out
to the community, particularly with popular school visits. Her cheese, wedding
cakes and sharing platters are really paying off and she even has vegan cheese
options.”
Baker![]()
![]()
![]()
Lovingly Artisan, Cumbria
Judges said: “They illustrate a great passion for hand-crafted breads and really
take into consideration the health aspects of their ingredients. They have an
excellent synergy with local suppliers and are investing in a new retail & education
hub, but although expanding, they’re careful not to lose sight of their beginnings.”
Butcher![]()
![]()
![]()
Brace of Butchers, Dorset
Judges said: “They continue to show significant increases in turnover and footfall,
while embracing plastic free and environmentally friendly practices, such as
reusable packaging and refillable milk stations. A fabulous, modern shop with a
smart website, good community links and a customer-first approach.”
Cheesemonger and North West regional winners![]()
![]()
![]()
The Courtyard Dairy, North Yorkshire
Judges said: “A fantastic out-and-out cheese shop, with a real passion for
promoting farm made cheeses, which are matured on site by staff with a great
in-depth knowledge. Real champions of the local community.”
Delicatessen![]()
and South East regional winners![]()
![]()
Panzer's, St John's Wood
Judges said: “A large, thriving deli which continues to see good percentage
increases in turnover while keeping to their traditional values and heritage. Their
staff-to-customer ratio is amazing and another good reason why this is a busy urban business.”
Farm Shop Large Retailer and South West regional winners![]()
![]()
Strawberry Fields Farm Shop and Restaurant, Devon
Judges said: “This farm shop is ambitious and forward thinking. A proper joined up
business. Loved the fact they’re self-sufficient for electricity via eco-friendly means.
Some talk the talk; these guys walk the walk!”
Farm Shop Small Retailer and Midlands regional winners![]()
![]()
Welbeck Farm Shop, Nottinghamshire
Judges said: “Good use of social media, with strong imagery. They were early
adopters of the unpackaged format, champion raw milk and are dedicated to
having happy, educated and inspired staff.”
Fishmonger![]()
![]()
![]()
Cross of York, North Yorkshire
Judges said: “Sustainability and education are key, and they continue to make a
real success of being on the high street. It’s traditional and how we expect fresh
fish should be.”
Food Hall and Scotland regional winners![]()
![]()
The Crieff Food Co, Perthshire
Judges said: “There’s a huge focus on local sourcing, particularly in their excellent
butchery department, combined with an enticing store front. They face big
existential challenges with a can-do attitude.”
Greengrocer![]()
![]()
![]()
K.D.Davis & Sons (The Greengrocers) Ltd, South Yorkshire
Judges said: “Marvellous to see a mature business that’s still growing at a healthy
rate, driven by great commitment from the owners. They continue to recognize the
value of existing customers while still actively hunting for new ones. Their colourful
stall is a joy to behold and for those who can’t get to see it, deliveries are made by
Online Business![]()
![]()
![]()
Dukeshill Ham Co Ltd, Shropshire
Judges said: “Great photography, including a fabulous team photo. They’ve
added a blog to give another reason to visit the website. There’s a huge
commitment to staff training. This site is so much more than just functional.”
Village Store / Local Shop![]()
![]()
![]()
Fittleworth Stores, West Sussex
Judges said: “Absolutely at the heart of their community, with staff that span all
ages including DofE students. Profits are reinvested into the community and they
provide a meeting place for local groups and combat isolation for older people.
Well run, with good business acumen.”
Newcomer![]()
![]()
![]()
The Crieff Food Co, Perthshire
Judges “They run supplier days, which are a great way of attracting those seeking
provenance & they’re strong on making their own branded ready meals. Another
example of why they have sustained business growth.”
East Anglia
The Norfolk Delicatessen, Hunstanton
Judges said: “Liked the continental feel of the exterior of this shop. The interior is
warm and higgledy-piggledy and yet actually wonderfully organised. The
supporting video is well-edited and gives all the information you need, plus having
75% of their stuff coming from local producers is a real bonus.”
North East
Farmer Copleys, Pontefract, West Yorkshire
Judges said: “There’s a massive investment in their team and in effect provide a
following others.”
Northern Ireland
Cunningham Butchers & Food Hall, Kilkeel, County Down
Judges said: “For a hundred-year-old business, this one seems incredibly youthful
and it’s apparent that the fourth generation who are now at the helm, continue to
steer this business into new and rewarding uncharted waters.”
Retailer of the Year
The Courtyard Dairy, North Yorkshire