Some of the best farm retailers in the UK were crowned winners tonight in an annual award ceremony hosted by celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
Winners were selected in the prestigious awards organised by the Farm Retail Association (FRA) which was formed in 1979 to support the industry.
Hugh presented awards to outstanding farm retailers at the event (sponsored by specialist retailer COOK) which took place tonight as part of the FRA’s annual Stronger Together event, 2023 at Sandy Park, Exeter, Devon.
The multi-award-winning writer and broadcaster said he was impressed by the calibre of entries. “I really enjoyed the evening and it was a privilege to present this year’s FRA Awards. I’m a huge supporter of farm shops and farmer’s markets as they are rooted in the food and farming of local communities, so they can offer the best seasonal produce that comes from the surrounding landscape. It’s great to celebrate these businesses, often family run, who are working so hard to supply high quality local food to communities across the country. I am so impressed by the standards of the entries and the winners should be especially proud of their achievement.”
The Farm Retail Awards are the only awards judged by fellow farm retailers and celebrate the best farm shops, farm cafés and restaurants, farmers’ markets and trade suppliers in the country. The 2023 award winners are (more information about winners at the end of the press release).
Large Farm Shop of the Year Sponsored by Cunninghams EPOS Group: Strawberry Fields Farm Shop, Lifton, Devon
Small Farm Shop of the Year, Sponsored by The Cress Co: Broom House Farm shop, Witton Gilbert, Durham
Farm Café/ Restaurant of the Year, Sponsored by Arrange Spaces: Hartley Farm Shop & Kitchen, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
Farm Shop Butchery of the Year, Sponsored by Angel Refrigeration: Broom House Farm Butchery, Witton Gilbert, Durham
Rising Star of the Year, Sponsored by Field Fare: The Goat Shed, Norwich, Norfolk
Farmers Market of the Year: Moseley Farmers’ Market, Moseley, Birmingham
Associate Member of the Year: Employment Law Solutions, Nantwich, Cheshire
Pick Your Own of the Year, Sponsored by Digitickets: Cammas Hall, Bishop’s Stortford, Essex
Lifetime Achievement Award, Sponsored by CSY: David Isgrove of Moseley Farmers Market, Birmingham, West Midlands
New FRA Chairman Emma Mosey said: “It’s been a challenging year for farm food retailers and our thanks goes out to all of our members who work so hard. Congratulations to all of our winners who are among the best in the business.”
The award ceremony is part of a three-day annual FRA conference which includes farm shop tours, an AGM, expert guest speakers and topical workshops.
Tomorrow’s conference day (Wednesday 8th March) includes practical workshops and guest speakers including Roger Martin-Fagg, delivering an economic outlook, and what our members should do to prepare; and Dr John Blakey, founder and author of The Trusted Executive, a leadership development organisation. ‘The Trusted Executive’ book combines prize-winning research to create the Nine Habits of Trust.
The conference and awards celebrations have been organised by FRA managing agents Yorkshire Agricultural Society who would like to thank the sponsors for their support. These include overall awards sponsors COOK, conference sponsor, The EPOS Bureau as well as all the individual award sponsors.
The FRA is open to thousands of independent retailers across the UK and offers its members support, training, workshops and open days.
