Every year, the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards celebrate the very best in the specialist retail sector and behind the scenes, our expert judging panel plays a crucial role in recognising excellence.

For 2026, we’re excited to introduce a line-up of industry professionals, each bringing their own expertise, passion and love for great food to the table.

To help you get to know some of them better, we asked a few fun and insightful questions… and their answers reveal both their industry knowledge and their irresistible farm shop favourites.

Eleanor O’Brien – Managing Director, National Craft Butchers

What’s your ultimate farm shop indulgence that you just can’t walk past without buying?

Fresh sausage rolls!

Carla Mills – Category Buying Manager, Booths

You’ve been given a mystery picnic basket from a farm shop – what three things do you hope are inside?

1. The world’s best pork pie, with a rich, coarsely textured pork filling and a really crisp and crunchy pastry

2. An elaborate mini grazing platter with artisan cheeses, cooked meats, olives, dips and crackers.

3. A sweet, rich and gooey (not chewy) dark chocolate brownie.

Aidan Monks & Catherine Connor – Lovingly Artisan Bakery

What's one surprising skill or bit of knowledge you've picked up from the specialist retail sector over the years?

There are many nuggets to squirrel away each year from working in the specialist sectors. The one that is at the forefront of my mind currently is basket value. Evaluating the average spend potential is critical, especially when you are aware that your store will experience inconsistences in seasonal footfall. For me personally, this is where I can have the most fun and get creative with our strategies.

Alex Emmanuel-Jones – Commercial Director, The Black Farmer

You’ve been given a mystery picnic basket from a farm shop – what three things do you hope are inside?

Farm shop made jam, locally sourced biscuits, and fresh scones

Andrew Burton – Associate Director, Pleydell Smithyman

What’s your ultimate farm shop indulgence that you just can’t walk past without buying?

I can never resist a good sausage roll but only when it’s made in-house! There’s just something about the flavours and textures you find in farm shops. It’s a proper staple and one that most other places just can’t match.

Matt Coxon – Sales Manager, Cress Co

You’ve been given a mystery picnic basket from a farm shop – what three things do you hope are inside?

1. A Chickies Black Pudding & Chorizo Scotch Egg with its amazing jammy yolk.

2. A pack of Shindigs Salt & Vinegar crisps – a proper crisp with face thumping flavour and ready to go in a sharing tray for the picnic table.

3. For dessert - a couple of our new British Bakes and Cakes mini Battenburgs! Can’t beat an old-time favourite (showing my age)!

And this is just a handful of our judges – there are plenty more lending their expertise, including Sangita Tryner, our Retailer of the Year 2025.

With such a passionate and experienced panel, the 2026 Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards promise to uncover and celebrate the very best in the sector.

Ready to Enter?

If you’re proud of your products, your people and your place in the community, we want to hear from you.

Entries are now open. Enter here.

Entries close Friday 26th September

Do you know a worthy retailer?

If you know a specialist retailer that goes above and beyond, nominate them here, and we will do the rest!