Farm Retail Awards shortlist announced

Some of the very best farm retailers in the UK have been named after being shortlisted for the national Farm Retail Awards, sponsored by Fieldfare.

The finalists, who are from Devon, Kent, Lincolnshire, London, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Scotland, Shropshire, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire and Surrey, will now go through to the glittering awards ceremony on Wednesday, 12th March at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.

The eight award categories include the Rising Star Award which celebrates business development and newcomers to the industry; the Farm Shop Butchery of the Year Award; Large Farm Shop of the Year (turnover over £1.5m); Small Farm Shop of the Year (turnover under £1.5m); Farmers’ Market of the Year; Farm Café/Restaurant of the Year; PYO of the Year and Associate Member of the Year.

This has been an exciting year for the FRA, which has unveiled a new rebrand as part of ambitious plans to expand the UK-wide membership organization which champions farm shops, PYOs and farmers markets.

Chair of the Farm Retail Association, Emma Mosey, said, “It’s wonderful to shine a light and celebrate our farm shops and farmers markets which are often independent, family-run businesses at the heart of communities. The sector is an important bridge between field and fork, sourcing fresh and nutritious produce with low food miles, from passionate and knowledgeable retailers.

“Congratulations to everyone who is shortlisted and good luck. This is your time to shine, and we are looking forward to celebrating your achievements in March at our grand awards ceremony!”

The Farm Retail Awards finalists

Large Farm Shop of the Year: Cannon Hall Farm Shop, Darts Farm, Welbeck Farm Shop

Small Farm Shop of the Year: Ardross Farm Shop, Castle Farm, Fordhall Farm Shop

Farm Cafe/Restaurant of the Year: Millets Farm Centre, The Farm Table at Darts Farm, Welbeck Farm Shop (Harley Cafe)

Farm Shop Butchery of the Year: Denstone Hall Farm Shop & Cafe, Fordhall Farm Shop, Millets Farm Butchers

Rising Star of the Year: River Cottage Kitchen & Store, The Farm Table at Darts Farm

PYO of the Year: Craigies Farm Ltd, Garsons Farm, Manor Farm Fruits

Farmers’ Market of the Year: Hall Place Bexley Farmers’ Market, operated by My Farmers’ Market, Lenham Country Market, run by My Farmers’ Market

Associate Member of the Year: Cress Co, Cotswold Fayre, Hortifeeds