The expert panel of judges for this year’s Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards have been revealed, filled with an exciting line-up of industry experts from across the specialist retail industry!
The free-to-enter Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards, in partnership with The Grocer and championed by Fieldfare, play a fundamental role within the industry in supporting and celebrating the UK’s independent specialist retail market!
Nigel Barden, our Chair of Judges, and Elaine Lemm, Co-Chair of Judges, will be joined by an esteemed panel of experts from across the specialist retail industry, including industry specialists, big-name wholesalers and past "Retailer of the Year" winners from the awards.
Our 2025 judging panel includes:
- Matt Whelan, Fieldfare
- Catherine Connor & Aidan Monks, Lovingly Artisan Bakery
- Radley Russell, Farm Retail Association
- Eleanor O'Brien, National Craft Butchers
- John Foster, Craft Bakers Association
- John Gill, Booths
- Nicki Stewart, Diverse Fine Food
- Matt Coxon, Cress Co
See the full list of judges on our website here.
Our panel of judges will come together and evaluate the initiatives retailers have implemented within their business over the past 12 months to develop and grow their store or business. Alongside this, they will look into the entrants’ engagement with the local community and their staff development initiatives.
Entrants will be scored per question on the entry form by our judges, and these points are now visible to applicants when they apply.
But what are the judges looking for? Chair of Judges, Nigel Barden, tells us what he is looking for in an award-winning entry:
"I am looking for something that is completely outstanding in every department, great customer interfacing, but also in staff training. I am looking for someone who might be doing something a bit different...It's about excellence, because without a doubt, for the Retailer of the Year, their lives will change for them and all their staff."
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To enter, head to our website and complete our free online application form - make sure to enter by the deadline of Friday 27th September 2024.
The winners will be revealed at the Farm Shop & Deli Show at the NEC Birmingham from 7-9 April 2025, uniting the specialist retail sector under one roof for a day of celebration!
Visit our website to find out more and enter the awards: farmshopanddelishow.co.uk/awards
A big thank you to our champions Fieldfare, and supporters: The Grocer, Farm Retail Association, Fab Farm Shops, GoJute, Cotswold Fayre, Diverse Fine Food, Cress Co and The Gorgeous Food Company.
