Entries open for the 2022 Farm Retail Awards
The hunt is on for the best farm retailers in the UK as entries open next week for the Farm Retail Awards 2022.
The national Farm Retail Association (FRA) will launch the awards on Monday 31st May when members are encouraged to enter their businesses to compete to be the best in the industry.
There’s a whole host of awards to shine a spotlight on the best retailers in the business, including the ‘Rising Star Award’ which will celebrate new Farm Shops or Markets who have been in business for 36 months or less.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual who has made a lasting impression on the industry, and will be won by a ‘farm retail’ hero who deserves recognition as nominated by their peers.
Other categories include: 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; Trade Supplier of the Year.
Chairman Rob Copley said: “Farm retailers offer fresh healthy food and fantastically friendly service in the communities they serve. Over the past year they’ve worked tirelessly to keep their customers well stocked with delicious local products, and more than ever these awards give us an opportunity to celebrate their hard work.
“These are the only awards that are judged by fellow farm retailers and to win is a huge accolade. We would encourage everyone to get involved, this is your chance to recognise your team and promote your achievements to your customers. We wish you luck!”
A big winner at the 2021 Awards, The Farm Stratford took home awards for both ‘Small Farm Shop of The Year‘ and ‘Café/ Restaurant of the Year’. Director Charlie Wells said: “The Farm Retail Awards mean so much to The Farm Family and have given us something to be really proud of as a team and to showcase to our customers. The awards have also given us all confidence through a really tough year knowing our hard work and determination is being recognised and rewarded, and to keep going! We have a great team and I’m very proud of what we have achieved in such a short amount of time.”
Farm shop favourite COOK are the main event partner. Chris Portwood, Chief Sales Officer at COOK said: “As customers, partners and dedicated fans of farm shops, COOK is proud to sponsor the Farm Retail Awards 2022, celebrating the sector and its important role in our society.”
Finalists will be showcased at an Awards Gala Dinner held in March 2022, as part of the FRA’s annual industry conference.
All members of the Farm Retail Association are eligible to enter the awards free of charge. Go to www.farmretail.co.uk/farm-retail-awards-2022/
To find out more about FRA membership, contact FRA Manager Jenny Rose on 01423 546214 or e-mail jenny@farmretail.co.uk
EDITOR’S NOTES
- The FRA was formerly known as FARMA and was set up in 1979
- The FRA is the national body which represents farm shops, Farmers Markets and pick-your-own enterprises across the country
- Around 325 UK farm shops and Farmers Markets are already members of the FRA
- The FRA annual conference will take place in March 2022 in Scotland (full details to be announced)
CONTACT:
Jenny Rose, FRA Manager: jenny@farmretail.co.uk Direct Line: 01423 546214.
Jo Francisco, PR Manager: jof@yas.co.uk Direct Line: 01423 546215 Mobile 07954 007414