Speciality Food September 2025

4 @specialityfood The 2026 Pick Your Own finalists are: • Craigies Farm, Fife, Scotland • Lathcoats Farm, Essex • Manor FarmFruits, Staffordshire Other award categories include: · Farmers Market of the Year – entries now closed Entries for the following award categories close 12th September 2025: · Associate Member of the Year · Rising Star Award – sponsored by Pleydell Smithyman Limited · FarmShop Butchery of the Year · FarmCafe/Restaurant of the Year · Small FarmShop of the Year – sponsored by Cress Co · Large FarmShop of the Year – sponsored by Fieldfare Winners will be crowned at the FRA Awards Gala Dinner as part of the FRA’s annual conference which will be held in Yorkshire inMarch 2026. All FRAmembers are eligible to enter the awards free of charge. The shortlisted farms impressed the judges with their passion for fresh, local produce, customer experiences and community engagement. Judged by fellow farm retailers, the awards are designed to celebrate the very best in British farm retail and run in partnership with the FRA’s ‘More Than Food’ campaign, which aims to highlight the value of farm shops, farmers markets and pick- your-own farms. Emma Mosey, Chair of the Farm Retail Association, said, "This year’s PYO finalists capture everything that’s special about farm retail – seasonal produce, family-friendly experiences and a deep-rooted commitment to their communities. These aren’t just places to buy fruit; they’re places to make memories. As we continue to shine a light on the sector through our ‘More Than Food’ campaign and exciting new rebrand, these finalists remind us why local foodmatters more than ever." British Pick Your Own stars named as finalists in FRA awards The shortlist for the Pick Your Own category in the Farm Retail Association Awards 2026, sponsored by Fieldfare, has been revealed. TheChancellor must findaway to unlockhousehold savings to increase consumer spending andbolster growth —more clarity on taxes aheadof the Budgetmayprovide this, but thiswouldbe welcome ammunition to the opposition in Parliament PROFESSOR JOE NELLIS, ECONOMIC ADVISER AT MHA, ON FINANCIAL UNCERTAINTY LEADING SHOPPERS TO SAVE RATHER THAN SPEND AHEAD OF THE AUTUMN BUDGET The appeal of seasonal and nostalgic flavours in food and drink Customer journey more vital than ever Following Government statistics showing that eight pubs a week have ceased trading during the first half of 2025, Patrick Clover, founder of Stampede, suggests that a targetedmarketing strategy is amust to future-proof customer- facing businesses. "As businesses consider their sales andmarketing strategy they also need to consider whether their entire customer journey is branded when communicating with customers. Creating amemorable, branded, customer journey that includes all themajor digital points like guest Wi-Fi, social media, and targeted email as aminimum, supports growth. Putting these steps in place sets businesses up to deliver personalisedmarketingmore effectively. The results of which can lead directly tomore revenue and positive reviews online – all made possible by guest data and a strategic approach. “There is no doubt we are all currently trading within a tough business environment. But trading without an effective, modern sales andmarketing strategy is like sailing a shipwithout a rudder fromone side of the world to another, hoping you’re going to get there without problems. It’s hard enough already to just set up a restaurant or bar, if you’re going to go through all that hard work, it really is worth assessing whether your sales andmarketing strategy truly matches the proposition you offer punters!” Kate Kehoe, MarketingManager at FMCG Gurus shares insight from the FMCG Gurus’ Flavours, Colours & Textures Survey 2025 Flavour has become a key way for food and drink brands to connect with consumers, especially when it taps into emotions, memories, or moments of comfort. FMCG Gurus’ consumer insights show that 60% of consumers enjoy food and drink products featuring new, unusual, or exotic flavours. This appeal around novelty is particularly strong around key times of year, with 76% of these consumers saying they aremore likely to seek out adventurous flavours during special occasions. Seasonality plays a big role here. Limited-edition releases, holiday- themed treats, and festive flavours give consumers a reason to try something newwhile still feeling connected to the occasion. In fact, 38% of those who enjoy exotic flavours also say they are drawn specifically to festive flavours, highlighting the power of seasonal storytelling in product development. However, while consumers are exploring bold new tastes, many are also drawn to the comfort of the familiar. FMCG Gurus’ market research demonstrates that 57% of global consumers find traditional or nostalgic flavours appealing. These preferences are rooted in emotion and memory, for instance: • 68% say nostalgic flavours remind them of simpler times • 70% say they offer a sense of comfort and escapism • 70% trust these flavours because they are known and familiar This dual interest, in both the new and the nostalgic, reflects how consumers want to feel when they eat or drink. During seasonal moments, they are especially receptive to flavours that connect to tradition while still offering a fresh twist. For brands, this presents a valuable opportunity: blending innovation with familiarity. A festive spin on a classic dessert or a modern take on a nostalgic drink can capture both curiosity and comfort. Flavors tied to seasons andmemories are especially effective at engaging consumers. In today’s food and beverage landscape, flavour is more than just taste, it’s about mood, memory, and experience. As consumers continue to seek both experience and reassurance in their choices, the most successful products will be those that deliver both.