Entries are now open for Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards 2026, the annual celebration of the best in the UK’s independent retail sector. It will recognise top-quality businesses across a range of specialist and regional categories. The awards are free to enter, and the deadline for entries is Friday 26 September.
A few changes have been introduced this year to make the awards even easier to enter and to better reflect the shape of the independent retail sector:
- The online entry form has been updated to add questions with a sharper focus while keeping things simple and clear.
- The North and South of England regions have each been split to provide greater opportunities for regional winners.
- The branding has been refreshed to bring it into line with the up-coming rebrand for The UK Food & Drink Shows, home of the awards.
- Joining the expert judging panel this year are: Sangita Tryner, owner of 2025 Retailer of the Year Delilah Fine Food; Andrew Burton, associate director at design consultancy Pleydell Smithyman; and Alex Emmanuel-Jones, commercial director at The Black Farmer.
Among the returning judges is Catherine Connor, managing director of Retailer of the Year 2024 Lovingly Artisan, who explained what she sought in an award-winning entry. “We’re looking for a business that is totally passionate about everything they do, from the produce they sell to how they present those products to the variety of what they stock,” she said.
“We’re looking for people that have a real insight into their business and understand what they wish to achieve in the future and taking their team with them.”
It was crucial to shine a light on the finest food and drink shopkeepers and online businesses, added chair of judges Nigel Barden. “Our finalists are invariably excellent marketeers, so the awards provide the perfect platform to let people know of your prowess, particularly as you’ve been shortlisted by knowledgeable and experienced judges representing all aspects of the food and drink industry.
“Don’t be coy, let consumers know how brilliant you are.”
The awards are run in partnership with The Grocer and championed by Fieldfare. Event supporters and sponsors include Cotswold Fayre, Diverse Fine Food, Fabulous Farm Shops, Farm Retail Association, Go Jute, The Cress Company, The Gorgeous Food Company and Mudwalls Food Group.
The six awards categories for 2026 are: Delicatessen, Farm Shop Large, Farm Shop Small, Independent local shop/Village store, Online Business, Other Specialist Retailer (includes Baker, Butcher, Cheesemonger, Fishmonger, Food Hall and Greengrocer).
Regional winners from category finalists will be awarded from Anglia, Midlands, North East England, North West England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South of England, South West England, and Wales.
Visit the awards website to find out more, to nominate a business or to enter.
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