Scottish bakery among Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards winners

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Amy Carr from William Reed presented the award to Kirsten Gilmour, owner and head baker of KJ's Bothy Bakery

Source: William Reed

Amy Carr from William Reed presented the award to Kirsten Gilmour, owner and head baker of KJ’s Bothy Bakery

Scottish business Kj’s Bothy Bakery has been named one of the best specialist retailers in the UK.

The bakery, located in Grantown-on-Spey in the Highlands, was among the regional winners of the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards, and was named best small retailer in Scotland (see full list below).

The awards, run in partnership with The Grocer and supported by Glebe Farm Foods and Quality Ornamentals Horticultural, recognise specialist retailers – such as bakers, butchers, farm shops and more – who play an important role in supporting and developing their team. The judges were looking for what initiatives they have implemented to retain, reward, and empower their staff.

More than 100 businesses entered the awards before the judges whittled the list down following interviews and mystery shops to find those worthy of recognition.

The winners, split by region, were announced at the Farm Shop & Deli Show at the Birmingham NEC on 25 April. The winner of Britain’s Best Loaf 2023 was also revealed at the shows.

“For yet another year, our judges had a difficult task drawing up the regional shortlists and winners for this year’s Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards, as there was an outstanding number of submissions from across the UK,” said Nigel Barden, chair of judges for the awards.

“There were some remarkable entries reflecting how these resourceful and diligent entrants care about their businesses – and their staff. It truly was a privilege to read about them and celebrate them at the winners’ announcement.”

Six women bakers in matching denim aprons

Source: KJ’s Bothy Bakery

The bakery team at KJ’s Bothy Bakery

Kj’s Bothy Bakery, which produces a range of sweet treats and bread, was described by the judges as a “close knit team that have a lot of fun”.

“Kirsten is a force to be reckoned with and a real inspiration to her team,” they added. “It’s these kind of managers who are key to powering up their teams for future growth, so this is great to see. We love how she is open to sharing her expertise and skills in order to bring on staff members, that pay is reasonable for the area, and that the team is trained in every part of the business.”

Here is the full list of winners:

East Anglia