UK’s best farm retailers have been revealed at prestigious awards event
9th March 2023
Some of the best farm retailers in the UK were crowned winners on Tuesday in an annual award ceremony hosted by celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
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 which took place as part of the FRA’s annual Stronger Together event 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:
Large Farm Shop of the Year: Strawberry Fields Farm Shop, Lifton, Devon
Small Farm Shop of the Year: Broom House Farm Shop, Witton Gilbert, Durham
Farm Café/ Restaurant of the Year: Hartley Farm Shop & Kitchen, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
Farm Shop Butchery of the Year: Broom House Farm Butchery, Witton Gilbert, Durham
Rising Star of the Year: 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: Cammas Hall, Bishop’s Stortford, Essex
Lifetime Achievement Award: 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.
The conference on Wednesday included 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 FRA is open to thousands of independent retailers across the UK and offers its members support, training, workshops and open days.
