Local food retailers including butchers, bakers, greengrocers and farm shops were just some of the lockdown heroes that have hit the headlines during the pandemic
Over the last few months there have been so many wonderful stories on how retailers have gone above and beyond to help their customers, staff, suppliers and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. These range from introducing new online ordering processes, drive-thru farm shops, home deliveries, sourcing local suppliers and offering opening hours dedicated to keyworkers and ‘at-risk’ customers – to name just a few.
The organisers of the annual Farm Shop & Deli Awards, sponsored by Garofalo and Food & Drink Wales, are looking for customers to nominate farm shops and specialist food retailers in the Northern Ireland region for this prestigious award. New for 2021, the awards are placing emphasis on how specialist retailers have adapted their business and supported their community, staff and suppliers this year, rather than focusing on financial success. Consumers and suppliers are being asked to nominate retailers worthy of winning via an online nomination form by 31st October. There is a chance to win a foodie hamper from Fortnum & Mason for everyone who nominates.
Nominate or enter today using the awards website.
Those who have been nominated will be contacted in November and invited to enter via a quick and easy online entry form. Retailers do not need to wait to be nominated and can enter themselves using the same online entry form. The award’s judges, headed by returning Chair Nigel Barden, food and drink broadcaster, will score all online entries. Shortlisted retailers will be announced in January and invited to attend the winners’ announcement live from the Farm Shop & Deli Show on Monday 12th April 2021 at the NEC, Birmingham. Here the ‘Commended’ and ‘Best in Region winners’ will be revealed, culminating in a wonderful celebration of the speciality sector.
As well as the Northern Ireland regional award winners will be revealed from the Midlands, East Anglia, the North East, North West, Scotland, the South East, the South West and Wales.
The Awards are open to the following food retailers:
- Baker
- Butcher
- Cheesemonger
- Delicatessen
- Farm Shop – Large Retailer
- Farm Shop – Small Retailer
- Fishmonger
- Food Hall
- Greengrocer
- Online Business
- Village store/Local Shop
The Farm Shop & Deli Awards have been running for the past eight years and have celebrated, and supported, the speciality retail market by utilising their reputation and reach in the sector.
