The UK’s very best farm retailers have been revealed at the national Farm Retail Awards.
Organised by the Farm Retail Association, which has nearly 300 members nationwide, the Farm Retail Awards celebrate the cream of the crop in this thriving industry, showcasing an incredible array of farm retailers from across the UK. They are the only awards judged by fellow farm retailers and celebrate the best farm shops, cafés, restaurants, farmers markets, pick your own operators and trade suppliers.
This year’s awards were hosted by food and drink broadcaster and champion, Nigel Barden, and sponsored by Fieldfare – chosen, frozen and ready to pick – and were held at The Eastside Rooms, Birmingham last night (Wednesday, March 12th) as part of the FRA’s annual conference. The FRA was formed 46 years ago to support the industry and offers its members support, training, workshops and open days.
The 2025 award winners are (more information about winners at the end of the press release):
Large Farm Shop of the Year, sponsored by Fresh Retail: Darts Farm, Devon
Small Farm Shop of the Year, sponsored by Cress Co: Castle Farm, Kent
Farmers Market of the Year, sponsored by Moseley Farmers’ Market: Lenham Country Market run by M Farmers Market, Kent
Pick Your Own of the Year: Garson Farm, Surrey
Farm Café/Restaurant of the Year: The Farm Table at Darts Farm, Devon
Farm Shop Butchery of the Year, sponsored by Angel Refrigeration Ltd: Millets Farm Butchers, Oxfordshire
Rising Star of the Year, sponsored by Fieldfare: River Cottage Kitchen and Store, Devon
Associate Member of the Year: Cress Co, Fife, Scotland
Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by COOK: Jo Mounce, Strawberry Fields, Devon
FRA Chair Emma Mosey said: “So much hard work goes into running an independent business, and we are incredibly proud of the brilliance demonstrated by all of our members. The Farm Retail Awards highlight the exceptional standards within our industry and showcase the dedication and innovation that makes farm retailers such a vital and thriving part of local communities.”
Nigel Barden, host of the Farm Retail Awards, said: “It’s been a huge honour to host the Farm Retail Awards this year. The passion within the farm retail sector is truly inspiring. These awards not only highlight individual success but also shine a spotlight on the importance of supporting local and the remarkable businesses who are shaping the future of the industry.”
The award ceremony was part of a three-day annual FRA conference which includes farm shop tours, an AGM, expert guest speakers and topical workshops. Today’s final conference day (Thursday, March 13th) includes practical workshops and guest speakers including George Eustice, the former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Guy Singh-Watson, founder of Riverford Organic and Paul Hargreaves, CEO of Cotswold Fayre and Flourish.
The FRA Council would like to thank the event sponsors for their support. These include overall awards sponsors Fieldfare, additional sponsors Specialty Fine Food Fair and Doublecool UK Ltd as well as all the individual award sponsors.
To find out more about joining the Farm Retail Association, contact the FRA team on 01423 546214 or e-mail hello@farmretail.co.uk
Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine | The Home of Manufacturing Industry News
