Warwickshire butchers Aubrey Allen has been named retailer of the year at the 2026 Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards.
The Leamington Spa business was praised by judges for its work in the community and care of its employees. One judge said: “Aubrey Allen is a really top-class shop. They demonstrate so much of what a retail food businesses needs to be doing to survive and thrive in today’s challenging retail landscape.”
Aubrey Allen manager & master butcher Simon Kelly collected the award yesterday afternoon (13 April) at a ceremony held as part of the Farm Shop & Deli Show currently taking place at the NEC in Birmingham. For a full list of winners, see below.
The annual awards recognise the best of independent food retailing in a range of categories, including Delicatessen, Farm Shop, Specialist Retailer and Online Business. The 2026 awards are championed by Fieldfare and delivered in partnership with The Grocer.
A panel of expert judges assessed hundreds of entrants on criteria including business performance, innovation, sustainability, customer engagement and testimonials from suppliers and shoppers.
“Even in a year where many retailers have approached things carefully, the Farm Shop & Deli Awards have continued to thrive,” said chairman of judges Nigel Barden. “To ensure our results reflected real excellence, we carried out additional visits – including assessments of online retailers – so every winner was chosen with absolute clarity.”
Aubrey Allen secured the Butcher of the Year award and was named Midlands regional winner before being announced as overall retailer of the year.
“Aubrey Allen showcases what dedication over 46 years can achieve,” added Barden. “The diversity of opportunities they offer their team, and the lengths they go to in supporting and retaining their staff play a huge part in what makes them such an outstanding business.”
Dunston Hall Estate Food Hall in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, was named 2026 newcomer of the year in a category with strong contenders from across the country. Butcher Farrell’s Meat Emporium in Ormskirk, Lancashire; Flourish in Avon, Bristol; and Mouse & Grape in Middlesex all received Highly Commended recognition.
“Dunston Hall demonstrated exactly what a modern, forward-thinking food retailer can be,” said Barden. “Their rapid growth, clear vision, commitment to quality and strong customer appeal make it evident why they stand out as an exceptional new addition to the industry.”
The 2026 Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards are sponsored by Fieldfare, Go Jute, Mudwalls Food Group and The EPOS Bureau, and supported by Cotswold Fayre, Cress Co, Diverse Fine Food, Fabulous Farm Shops, Farm Retail Association and The Gorgeous Food Company.
Nominations are now open for the 2027 Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards. If there is a specialist retailer you believe is making a real impact, nominate them here.
Farm Shop & Deli Awards 2026 winners
- Anglia Regional Winner: Goat Shed, Norwich
- Baker of the Year: Nice Buns NI, Craigavon
- Butcher of the Year: Aubrey Allen, Leamington Spa
- Cheesemonger of the Year: Mouse & Grape, London.
- Delicatessen of the Year: Dylan’s Baked Goods & General Store, Llangefni
- Farm Shop (Large) of the Year: Ludlow Farmshop, Ludlow
- Farm Shop (Small) of the Year: Mains of Glassaugh Vegetables, Portsoy
- Food Hall of the Year: Flourish at Farleigh Road, Bristol
- Greengrocer of the Year: Elaines Fruit & Veg, Leicester
- Independent Local Shop/Village Store of the Year: The Seasons Wholefoods, Forest Row
- Online Business of the Year: Riverford Organic Farmers, Buckfastleigh
- Midlands Regional Winner: Aubrey Allen, Leamington Spa
- Newcomer of the Year: Dunston Hall, Chesterfield
- North East Regional Winner: George & Joseph Regional Winner, Leeds
- North West Regional Winner: Roast Mutton Kendal (Butchers), Kendal
- Northern Ireland Regional Winner: O’Kane Meats, Derry
- Retailer of the Year: Aubrey Allen, Leamington Spa
- Scotland Regional Winner: The Glenelg Shop, Glenelg
- South East Regional Winner: The Seasons Wholefoods, Forest Row
- South West Regional Winner: Riverford Organic Farmers, Buckfastleigh
- Wales Regional Winner: Dylan’s Baked Goods & General Store, Llangefni
The UK Food & Drink Shows 2026
The UK Food & Drink Shows 2026, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 April, comprises four shows that each target a sector of the food and drink industry:
- Farm Shop & Deli Show offers the best-quality local and regional produce alongside the latest in equipment, labelling and packaging solutions.
- Food & Drink Expo is the destination for discovering fresh ideas, forging connections and gaining insights into the future of food. It attracts key foodservice buyers as well as decisionmakers from retail and wholesale grocery operations.
- National Convenience Show is the biggest event for the convenience retailing sector and is a one-stop destination for c-store specific products, services and innovations.
- Forecourt Show is the must-attend event for sourcing products, fresh ideas and smart solutions to future-proof your business.
Around 1,200 businesses will be exhibiting across the four shows, and more than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend the event to explore new products, services and equipment that will help their businesses flourish.
Once again, The UK Food & Drink Shows will offer a packed programme of insightful panels and expert speakers alongside new attractions. These will include a Spotlight on Coffee Shop & Café highlighting the latest trends and products shaping the sector, and a Spotlight on Future Foods that will showcase wellness-driven, clean-label and sustainable products.
To ensure visitors make the most of their visit, an online digital event companion will offer a comprehensive event guide, interactive floorplan and real-time notifications.
The UK Food & Drink Shows is organised by business information provider William Reed. Covering industries ranging from food and drink to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, William Reed publishes digital and print media, including The Grocer, and organises prestigious awards and business events.
“We appreciate that retailers and suppliers continue to face intense pressure and are confident the shows can help to equip businesses with the knowledge and inspiration to grow and flourish,” said Dan Dixon, MD of exhibitions, William Reed.
“At the heart of it all is the power of face-to-face interaction; the chance to have meaningful conversations, experience products first-hand and build relationships.”
To find out more and register for free tickets visit The UK Food & Drink Shows website.
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