Entries are open for the Farm Shop & Deli Products Awards 2024, the annual competition that showcases the best products across the specialist food & drink sector.
Returning for the third successive year, the awards form part of the long-running Farm Shop & Deli Show, which takes place at the UK Food & Drink Shows. Being held once again at the Birmingham NEC, next year’s event runs from 29 April to 1 May 2024.
The awards are organised in partnership with The Grocer, a sister publication of British Baker under the William Reed portfolio of media brands.
A total of 11 categories are open to entries for the 2024 awards. These include Savoury Biscuits & Snacks, Sweet Bakery & Confectionery, Chilled & Frozen Desserts, Chilled Deli, Condiments & Sauces, Fermented & Smoked Foods, Meat, Non-Food, Plant-Based, Preserves, and Beverages.
Only products sold in farm shops, delis and other specialist food retailers will be allowed to enter, with the panel of judges comprised of leading farm shop & deli retailers, top wholesaler buyers and owners, and industry experts.
New to this year’s awards, the judging will be conducted prior to the Farm Shop & Deli Show, allowing winners the maximum opportunity to promote their achievements in the lead up to and during the exhibition.
Judges will be assessing the overall business model of each product, not just its taste and appearance but also including its full value chain, branding and how well it is set to successfully sell in the independent sector.
This enhanced criterion enables organisers to provide important feedback to entrants, by way of a report from judges, as to how their business models compare to the rest of the market. It also gives credible exposure to buyers across the industry, with supporters such as Cotswold Fayre, Fabulous Farm Shops, Kitchen Food Company Deli & Bistro, Booths, Diverse Fine Foods, and Cannon Hall Farm already confirmed to attend.
“The Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards 2024 are an exciting project to be a part of,” commented Giorgio Rigali, head of communications for exhibitions at William Reed. “They are a great opportunity to engage with the independent sector and the awards allow us to display a fantastic range of local, high-quality products that the specialist food & drink sector offers.”
The previous products awards garnered a high level of entries and were held back in April on the same stage as Britain’s Best Loaf 2023, which is also set to return next year. Joining them at the Birmingham NEC is The Restaurant Show, which recently confirmed its move from London venues for the first time.
Suitable candidates can submit their entries for next year’s awards via the Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards website, with a deadline of Friday 19th January 2024. Companies and individuals can also register their interest for visiting the event via this Farm Shop & Deli Show webpage.
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