Celebrating Excellence Across the UK’s Farm Retail Sector

One of the real highlights of the past year for me has been the opportunity to judge both the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards and the Farm Retail Association (FRA) Awards, working alongside an exceptionally experienced and knowledgeable panel of fellow judges. The team at Pleydell Smithyman – one of the UK’s leading farm shop and garden centre consultants – we spend much of our time supporting and advising the sector, but judging these awards offers a unique and inspiring perspective on just how high standards have become.

The Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards recognise the very highest levels of service, product knowledge, initiative, innovation and community involvement across farm shops and food halls nationwide. They provide a fantastic platform for specialist food and drink retailers to showcase the outstanding work their teams deliver every day – both on a national stage and within their local communities. Behind every entry is a team going the extra mile for their customers, and that commitment really shines through during the judging process.

Alongside this, I have for the 5^th year, had the privilege of judging both the Large and Small Farm Shop competitions for the Farm Retail Association Awards. These awards truly celebrate the cream of the crop in farm retail, bringing together an incredible range of businesses from every corner of the UK. What makes the FRA Awards particularly special is that they are the only awards judged by fellow farm retailers, and whilst I now consult (my background is an operational and strategic), I judge with ateam of farm shop owners and award winners, which means that these awards ensure they genuinely reflect excellence as defined by the industry itself. They celebrate the very best farm shops, farm cafés and restaurants, farmers’ markets and trade suppliers in the country.

Personally, I find the judging process hugely rewarding. Not only does it allow me to visit and speak with inspirational owners and managers, but it also provides an invaluable insight into how the very best businesses continue to raise the bar. Seeing what leading operators are doing to improve standards, refine their offer and deepen their connection with customers is both motivating and reassuring for the future of the sector.

All winners from the shortlisted finalists across both awards programmes will be announced during March and April 2026, and I very much look forward to celebrating their achievements. The quality, passion and professionalism on display reinforces why farm retail remains such a vital and dynamic part of the UK food landscape.

Myself and all the team at Pleydell Smithyman, are proud to support this sector every day – and judging these awards is a powerful reminder of just how much there is to celebrate.

Ultimately, being involved in judging these awards plays an important role in helping champion farm shops and food halls across the country that continue to develop and evolve.  By identifying and celebrating best practice, the awards encourage businesses to learn from one another and keep raising standards for customers.  I feel genuinely lucky to be able to see what works at the very highest level and to bring those insights into my everyday work at Pleydell Smithyman, supporting clients to build stronger, more successful and more resilient businesses.