Speciality Food April 2024

10 @specialityfood The best farm retailers in the UK have been revealed in the FarmRetail Awards 2024. Winners of the prestigious awards were selected by the Farm Retail Association (FRA) which was formed 45 years ago to support the industry. Awards were presented by Derbyshire dairy farmer and after dinner speaker Peter Slack to outstanding farm retailers at the ceremony (sponsored by specialist retailer COOK), held at the Holiday Inn PeterboroughWest as part of the FRA’s annual Stronger Together event. The FarmRetail Awards are solely judged by fellow farm retailers, and celebrate the best farm shops, farm cafés and restaurants, farmers’ markets and trade suppliers in the country. And the ceremony is part of a three-day annual FRA conference, which includes farm shop tours, an AGM, expert guest speakers and topical workshops. FRA chair Emma Mosey said, “Congratulations to all of our winners whose dedication and passion is reflected in the standard of their businesses. We thank them for their commitment to the industry which they help to grow and thrive.” This year’s winners LARGE FARM SHOP OF THE YEAR: FARMER COPLEYS Pontefract, West Yorkshire Judges said it is “a fabulous Yorkshire farm shop focused on Yorkshire produce, with the majority of their sales being from their own produced goods. A very strong retail offer, alongside a fantastic butchery and deli, plus their new addition, Copleys Kitchen, combines to create a wonderful site for their customers. SMALL FARM SHOP OF THE YEAR: ALDER CARR FARM SHOP NeedhamMarket, Suffolk Judges said, “Alder Carr FarmShop champions local produce, and especially takes pride in its own award-winning produce. A coherent space for the café, butchery and farm shop teams to support each other, and their customers.” FARM SHOP BUTCHERY OF THE YEAR: WELBECK FARM SHOP Worksop, Nottinghamshire Judges said, “The winning factor for Welbeck FarmShop is its locally sourcedmeat, with a majority of the meat coming from the estate. The team running the butchery are friendly and knowledgeable, providing high quality service.” Farm shops and farmers’ markets across the UK have been honoured by the FarmRetail Association FARM CAFÉ/ RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR: RUNCTON FARM CAFÉ Chichester, West Sussex RISING STAR OF THE YEAR: RUNCTON FARM CAFÉ Chichester, West Sussex Judges were, “Impressed with what Runcton had on offer for such a new part of the business. The use of solar power across the business was also a highlight of the entry, showing innovation is at the heart of Runcton.” FARMERS’ MARKET OF THE YEAR: BARNARD CASTLE FARMERS MARKET Barnard Castle, Co. Durham This is a “fantastic high street-based market, run andmanaged by the stall holders,” said judges. “Awonderful Farm Retail Award 2024 winners announced range of stalls and goods, with outstanding customer interaction, supported by great local facilities. PICK YOUR OWN OF THE YEAR: FARMER COPLEYS Pontefract, West Yorkshire ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE YEAR FRESH RETAIL GROUP LTD “Fresh Retail's testimonials spoke volumes about the service they offer, standing at as a preferred industry consultant,” said judges. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD JANET HARRISON Abbey Leys Community Farmers Market “This award recognises someone for their outstanding contribution to the farm retail sector,” said judges. “Janet has championed the farmers’ market cause, even representing UK farmers’ markets internationally, which supported the forming of the World Farmers Markets Coalition. Her own farmers’ market has been extremely successful, supporting many small farms and producers in the area.”