Entries are now open for the 2027 Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards, which recognise standout farm shops, delis, food halls and specialist retailers.
From championing local producers and delivering exceptional customer experiences, to driving innovation and supporting communities, the awards celebrate those making a lasting impact throughout the sector.
Winning a Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Award can bring major benefits to a business, explained Simon Kelly, manager at Leamington Spa-based Aubrey Allen, crowned Retailer of the Year at this year’s awards.
“It has brought in new business for us,” he said. “People have started coming and trying our products and coming back time and time again. We’re proud of our shop and the company we work for, and we take a lot of pride in what we do. And now we’re over the moon.”
Whether a retailer has invested in staff development, supported local communities, created innovative retail experiences or delivered sustainable initiatives, the free-to-enter awards are seeking businesses that stand out from their peers.
A simplified two-stage entry process has been introduced to reduce the time commitment entrants must make upfront while ensuring they can fully showcase what makes their business exceptional.
Businesses can submit an initial application in less than five minutes during the Stage 1 Express Entry, which closes on 31 August 2026. Successful entrants will then be invited to provide further detail by completing a Stage 2 submission by the end of September.
Awards will be given for nine regions across the country, and for six categories: Delicatessen, Farm Shop, Independent Local Shop/Village Store, Online Business, Other Specialist Retailer (includes baker, butcher, cheesemonger, fishmonger, food hall and greengrocer).
And, for the first time, the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards have partnered with the Academy of Cheese, with the Cheesemonger of the Year award winner receiving an Education Package of Academy (Self-Study) Certification from the Academy of Cheese, worth £500.
“The Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards celebrate the businesses setting the benchmark for excellence across specialist food and drink retail,” said Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards chair of judges Nigel Barden. “Being shortlisted not only recognises your achievements but also provides a valuable endorsement from a panel of highly respected experts drawn from a wide spectrum of the industry.”
The awards are run in partnership with The Grocer and championed by Fieldfare. They are also backed by sponsors including Academy of Cheese, Cotswold Fayre, Diverse Fine Food, Fabulous Farm Shops, Farm Retail Association, Garden Centre Association, Go Jute, Gorgeous Food Company, The Cress Company and The EPOS Bureau.
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