It’s been an exciting week of announcements for the Farm Shop & Deli Show as the shortlist of award finalists has been announced, as well as the big reveal of The After Party for exhibitors, visitors and speakers. The Farm Shop & Deli Award winners will be named by broadcaster and Chair of Judges, Nigel Barden on day one of the show, which takes place from 24th to 26th April at the NEC in Birmingham.
The awards recognise the best in class in the specialist independent retail market. Now in its 4th year these honours celebrate the very best standards, levels of service, product innovation and community involvement in this sector. Finalists have all been through a tough judging process as submissions are evaluated and then mystery shopping and secret visits are undertaken alongside an intense face to face judging day.
Nigel Barden, Chair of Judges, recognises how hard each entrant works: “It’s a joyous journey visiting the award finalists around the UK and, with the standards being so high, it's the attention to detail that really makes the winners stand out. It'll be a privilege to hand over the accolades at the awards and to witness the look on the winners' faces that clearly illustrates how all their hard work has paid off.”
CELEBRATING A SUCCESSFUL SHOW IN STYLE
The Farm Shop & Deli Show organisers have also announced an After Party which will be open to exhibitors and visitors. Guests will enjoy a fun evening of comedy and entertainment where they can relax with new contacts, meet old friends and network with the industry in an informal setting.
This new event takes place on Tuesday 25th April at 7pm in the Kings Room of the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. Tickets include entertainment, dinner, beer, wine and a pay bar. Attendees will enjoy a sumptuous Indian Buffet with the entertainment being provided by well-known TV, radio and live stand-up comedian, Dominic Holland. Those wishing to attend can find out more and book tickets at http://www.farmshopanddelishow.co.uk/fsdlive/after-party
INSIGHTFUL LEARNING FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS
As well as the excitement of the awards and After Party visitors will also see an incredible line-up of speakers who will be on-hand to share their knowledge and expertise with retailers. Paul Hargreaves, CEO of Cotswold Fayre, is set to be a popular speaker as he talks about the essential skills of harnessing people power. Paul explains: “I hope to empower retailers and producers to go back to their businesses and put new ideas and vision into practise. I find that many businesses within this sector are too insular and could learn a lot from others if only they spent time together. This session is a start to do just that. I guarantee that people will take home at least one good idea that will make their business more profitable.”
Charlie Turnbull owner of Turnbulls Deli in Dorset will be hosting two sessions; 'Liquid gold – sourcing superb olive oils' and 'How to expand your digital delicatessen'. Both sessions are on the 26th April and, as in previous years, are set to draw in the crowds. Charlie is a passionate supporter of the Farm Shop & Deli Show and said: “Independent retailers need to find quality foods that taste noticeably better to define their offer and pull customers into their shops. The Farm Shop & Deli Show is a goldmine for that. Attendees should come and listen as e-commerce is coming whether we like it or not and I can show you how to start in the shallow end of the e-commerce pool and then grow this with your business.”
Another session being eagerly anticipated is that of Karen Fewell from Digital Blonde. As online retailers are becoming more prominent so is the use of digital marketing. Karen’s session, on the final day of the show, recognises that social media marketing is not just for Millennials. Speaking ahead of her sessions she explained: “With retailers needing to market to everyone from Millennials to Baby Boomers it can feel overwhelming knowing where to start, which channels to use and what to say. In this session, I’ll be clarifying how different generations behave online and sharing practical insights to grow a customer base and increase online engagement.”
Registration for the Farm Shop & Deli Show is open at http://www.farmshopanddelishow.co.uk. A visitor badge will gain additional access to The Forecourt Show and the National Convenience Show which run alongside. The show is supported by FARMA and The Giftware Association.
The Great New Idea Award
Farm Shop & Deli Show visitors are encouraged to vote for their favourite product or equipment in the Great New Idea Award and be in with a chance of winning £250. To vote, look for the Great New idea badge on this list http://www.farmshopanddelishow.co.uk/products and complete the voting form on the page of your favourite idea.
Notes to editors
Full list of finalists for 2017 Farm Shop & Deli Awards
Baker of the Year
Bondgate Bakery (Otley) / Hambleton Bakery (Rutland) / Hobbs House Bakery (Tetbury) / The Hungry Guest (Petworth)
Butcher of the Year
Brace of Butchers (Dorchester) / Cunningham Butchery and Food Hall (Kilkeel) / Meat NW5 (London) / The Pink Pig Farm (Sc*nthorpe) / Walter Rose & Son (Devizes)
Cheesemonger of the Year
Cheese Please (Lewes) / Cheeses of Muswell Hill (London) / Paxton & Whitfield (Jermyn Street, London) / The Courtyard Dairy (Settle)
Delicatessen of the Year
Arch House Deli (Clifton) / Billingtons of Lenzie (Glasgow) / Delilah Fine Foods Leicester (Leicester) / Papadeli (Bristol) / The Gourmet Pig (Fishguard) / The Norfolk Deli (Hunstanton)
FarmShop – Large Retailer of the Year
Bodnant Welsh Food Centre (Tal y cafn, Conwy) / Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop (Bakewell) / Drewton’s Farm Shop (South Cave)/ Keelham Farm Shop Ltd (Thornton)
FarmShop – Small Retailer of the Year
Cross Lanes Organic Farm Ltd (Barnard Castle) / Dahlia’s Farm Shop (Blackpool) / Foxholes Farm Shop (Hertford) / Roots Farm Shop (Northallerton) / The Gog Farm Shop (Cambridge) / Uncle Henry’s (Grayingham) / Welbeck Farm Shop (Worksop)
Fishmonger of the Year
Latimers (Whitburn) / Ramus Seafoods (Harrogate) / The Fresh Fish Shop Ltd (Haywards Heath)
Foodhall of the Year
Bakers & Larners of Holt (Norfolk) / Cranstons /Brampton Food Hall (Brampton) / Delifonseca Dockside (Liverpool) / Ludlow Food Centre (Shropshire)
Greengrocer of the Year
Andreas of Chelsea (London) / K.D. Davis & Sons (Rotherham) / Rafters of Driffield (Driffield)
Local Shop of the Year
FINK (Boroughbridge) / Shropshire’s Own (Shrewsbury) / Siop Pwllglas (Ruthin, Denbighshire) / StockGhyll Fine Food (Ambleside)
Market of the Year
Horsforth Farmers Market (West Yorks) / West Malling Farmers Market (Kent)
Newcomer of the Year
Brace of Butchers (Dorchester) / Court Farm Shop (Cheltenham) / Donaghy & Sanderson (Pitlochry) / Love Cheese (York) / The Lambing Shed Farm Shop (Knutsford)
Online Business of the Year
Dukeshill Ham Co Ltd (Telford) / Farmison (Ripon) / Parsnips and Pears (Colston Bassett) / The Cornish Fishmonger (Saint Columb)
Regional winners will be selected from the above finalists and announced at the show, 3.15pm on Monday 24th April as well as the overall ‘Farm Shop & Deli Retailer of the Year’.
Further information:
Follow Farm Shop& Deli on Twitter: #FSD2017 @FarmShop_Deli
Like Farm Shop & Deli on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FarmShopDeli
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/FarmShopDeliShow
Issued on behalf of the Farm Shop & Deli Show by Digital Blonde Ltd. For more information about the event or to arrange interviews with organisers, speakers or exhibitors please contact
