Farm shop shortlisted for awards

Fordhall Farm Shop in Shropshire has been nominated as a finalist in both the Small Farm Shop of the Year and Farm Shop Butchery of the Year categories in this year’s Farm Retail Association (FRA) Awards.

The shop offers unique meat products not typically found in supermarkets, showcasing whole carcass butchery for a full nose-to-tail experience. Popular items include bones, fat, and offal, catering to those seeking a natural diet. They also stock locally-grown vegetables and artisan products from over 40 nearby producers.

The Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday March 12 in Birmingham and is one of the highlights in the FRA calendar, showcasing the work which goes on around the country to promote and support real, local food.

James Martin, farm shop manager, said, "Here at Fordhall we don’t always follow the crowd or do things in the ‘normal’ way- but we’re proud of that and it’s one of the key attributes that makes us who we are. Winning this award would give us the recognition that our team deserves - our whole team including everyone from our farmers right through to our farm shop team, our butchers and bakers and everyone in between.

"We started off selling our own produce in a small lean-to over 20 years ago, and we’re proud to now boast our own onsite butchery and a well-stocked farm shop that stocks wonderful local and organic produce. Our meat is now retailed through our farm shop to local businesses and is purchased by our loyal and ever-expanding customer base across the country."

Chair of the Farm Retail Association Emma Mosey said: “It’s wonderful to shine a light and celebrate our farm shops and farmers' markets which are often independent, family-run businesses at the heart of communities. The sector is an important bridge between field and fork, sourcing fresh and nutritious produce with low food miles, from passionate and knowledgeable retailers."

The eight award categories include: the Rising Star Award which celebrates business development and newcomers to the industry; the Farm Shop Butchery of the Year Award; Large Farm Shop of the Year (turnover over £1.5m); Small Farm Shop of the Year (turnover under £1.5m); Farmers’ Market of the Year; Farm Café/Restaurant of the Year; PYO of the Year; and Associate Member of the Year.