The highly anticipated Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards 2026 are now officially open for entries. Celebrating the very best in the UK’s independent specialist retail sector, these awards are a unique opportunity for retailers and online businesses to gain national recognition, elevate their brand and connect with a passionate community of food and drink professionals. With categories spanning diverse retail specialisms and regional awards covering all corners of the UK, the awards offer a powerful platform to showcase innovation, champion local success stories and honour the people driving the sector forward.

Free to enter and respected across the industry, the awards are run in partnership with The Grocer and proudly championed by Fieldfare. They are also backed by a strong network of event supporters and sponsors, including Cotswold Fayre, Diverse Fine Food, Fabulous Farm Shops, Farm Retail Association, Go Jute, The Cress Company, The Gorgeous Food Company and Mudwalls Food Group.

Sangita Tryner, Owner of Delilah Fine Foods, who took home the 2025 Retailer of the Year award, reflected on what the recognition meant to her:

“Being an independent nowadays is much harder and to be able to get recognition for what we have to do to still be around, is really, really important to the likes of us.

With the number of farm shops, independents, all doing such creative things at the moment, to be in that pool of talent is quite eye-opening and being recognised by your peers is what makes the next day worth opening those doors for”

What’s New for 2026:

- New Questions: The online entry form has been given a fresh update, adding some new questions with a sharper focus - while keeping things simple and clear so entrants can easily show off what makes them stand out.

- More regions to win: The North and South of England regions have been split into East and West to provide greater opportunities for regional winners!

- New look: The brand has been refreshed with a sleek new look, bringing it in line with the up-coming rebrand for The UK Food & Drink Shows - home of the Retailer Awards.

- New Judges Announcement: The Awards are thrilled to welcome Sangita Tryner, Owner of Delilah Fine Foods and winner of this year’s Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards, to the 2026 judging panel. In addition, Andrew Burton, Associate Director at Pleydell Smithyman and Alex Emmanuel-Jones, Commercial Director at The Black Farmer join the judges line up - each bringing unique expertise and fresh perspectives to the team.

Catherine Connor, Managing Director of Lovingly Artisan, 2024 Retailer of the Year, and North of England regional winner, returns as a judge for 2026. She shares what she looks for in an award-winning entry:

“What we’re looking for is a business that is totally passionate about everything they do. From the produce they retail to how they present those products to the variety of what they stock within their store. So, we’re looking for people that have a real insight into their business and understand what they wish to achieve in the future and taking their team with them”

About the Awards Champions – Fieldfare

The Retailer Awards are proud to be championed by Fieldfare, a family-owned business based in Kent with a legacy spanning 48 years. Known for supplying delicious, premium loose frozen food, Fieldfare has become a trusted name among farm shops and independent stores across the UK.

As Fieldfare continues to expand into garden centres and to reach urban shoppers via convenience stores, their commitment to quality and sustainability remains at the heart of everything they do. With award-winning products, their unique pick-your-own system allows customers to choose exactly what they need—no more, no less—minimising waste and reducing packaging. To learn more about Fieldfare and enquire about becoming a stockist, visit field-fare.com.

Managing Director of Fieldfare, Matt Whelan, who is also a member of the Retailer Awards judging panel, says:

““With a strong heritage of working with farm shops and independent retailers, Fieldfare see first-hand the passion and commitment that these businesses have. Not only for the food they produce and supply, but also for their customers and their communities. We are proud to support them and champion these awards.”

Chair of Judges Nigel Barden shares the benefits to businesses of entering the Awards:

“The retail market continues to be a cautious one and therefore it’s more crucial than ever that the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards shine a light on the finest food and drink shopkeepers and on-liners, providing consumers with the confidence to seek out the best there are. Our finalists are invariably excellent marketeers, so the awards provide the perfect platform to let people know of your prowess, particularly as you’ve been shortlisted by a group of knowledgeable, experienced and highly respected judges, representing all aspects of the food and drink industry. So don’t be coy, let consumers know how brilliant you are!”

Entries are now open and free for retailers. Impact isn’t measured by budget or scale – it’s about the meaningful action. Whether it’s launching a green initiative, supporting the local community or investing in your staff, the Retailer Awards are looking to celebrate businesses making a real difference where it counts.

You can also put a worthy business forward for recognition – if you know a standout business, don’t miss the chance to nominate them using the Nominations Form.

Visit the Awards website to find out more, nominate or enter free: event.farmshopanddelishow.co.uk/retailer-awards