Bakers are encouraged to get their entries in for the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards 2027.
Run by British Baker publisher William Reed, the free-to-enter awards shine a spotlight on the businesses, teams and individuals raising standards across specialist food and drink retail. From championing local producers and delivering exceptional customer experiences to driving innovation and supporting communities, they celebrate those making a lasting impact throughout the sector.
Entrants are categorised by business type. The six categories for 2027 are: Delicatessen, Farm Shop, Independent local shop / Village store, Online Business, and Other Specialist Retailer (includes Baker, Butcher, Cheesemonger, Fishmonger, Food Hall and Greengrocer).
Regional winners from category finalists will be awarded from the following nine regions:
- Anglia
- Midlands
- North East England
- North West England
- Northern Ireland
- Scotland
- South of England
- South West England
- Wales
For the 2027 iteration, the awards have introduced a streamlined two-stage entry process designed to make entering quicker and more accessible than ever before. Businesses can submit an initial application in five minutes during the Stage 1 Express Entry – the deadline for this is 31 August.
Successful entrants will then be invited to complete a second-stage submission by the end of September, providing further detail to support their application. The new approach reduces time commitment upfront while ensuring retailers can fully showcase what makes their business exceptional to the judges.
“In a highly competitive retail landscape, standing out has never been more important,” said chair of judges Nigel Barden. “The Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards celebrate the businesses setting the benchmark for excellence across specialist food and drink retail. Being shortlisted not only recognises your achievements but also provides a valuable endorsement from a panel of highly respected experts drawn from a wide spectrum of the industry.”
Whether it’s investing in staff development, supporting local communities, creating innovative retail experiences or delivering sustainable initiatives, the 2027 awards are seeking businesses that are making a meaningful difference.
One of the outstanding winners at the 2026 Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards was Aubrey Allen, which took home three awards, including the coveted Retailer of the Year title.
“Winning three awards and being Retailer of the Year is the biggest accolade I think any company can get,” said butchery manager Simon Kelly.
“It’s brought in new business for us. People heard about it. People have started coming and trying our products and coming back time and time again.”
Retailers can enter themselves free of charge, and industry colleagues, suppliers and customers should encourage any worthy retailers they know to enter.
To find out more or enter the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards 2027 visit the dedicated website.
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