Three farm shops in Wales have been named as regional finalists at the Farm Shop and Deli Retailer Awards. Celebrating specialist shops and retailers across the UK and in 2023, the awards' focus is on those shops and delis whose values include and embody "supporting and developing their team."
The three Welsh venues shortlisted for the awards this year are Bodnant Welsh Food in Colwyn Bay, Forage Farm Shop in the Vale of Glamorgan and Nolton Cross Farm Shop in Pembrokeshire - independent stores that pride themselves on selling and championing local produce and artisan food.
What the judges are looking for at these awards, which have been going for over ten years, are the initiatives that have been implemented in order to "retain, reward and empower your staff" and on Tuesday, April 25, the winners will be announced live from the Farm Shop and Deli Show and will celebrate producers from across the UK's various different regions.
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Writing on its social media page, Nolton Cross Farm shop, which is based in Pembrokeshire and at the end of 2022 was a finalist at the Farm Retail Association Awards as a Rising Star, said of this recognition: "Wow! What a year 2023 is turning out to be! Absolutely delighted we've again been shortlisted for an award this time as a regional finalist for Small farm shop of the year!"
Forage Farm Shop and Kitchen in Cowbridge is no stranger to awards and in 2023 also won the gong for sustainability and the overall Platinum Award at Cardiff Life Awards. With a restaurant as well as a farm, it's a firm favourite with Cowbridge locals and beyond - including us; we tried its roast a few weeks ago and loved it. Read more on it here.
Telling of their excitement over the awards final, it said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been selected as finalists at the Farm Shop & Deli Awards 2023. Each year the criteria for judging changes. Last year, was a focus on sustainability and we were ecstatic to have won the Wales region on a topic that’s at the core of our ethos.
"This year celebrates retailers who support and develop their teams. We are are so proud of our entire team, who work tirelessly to provide an excellent service to our customers. The team continues to develop and grow and we know how important it is to support individuals, help them to develop new skills and offer new and exciting opportunities. We have stiff competition but are so pleased to have been selected and will keep our fingers crossed that we might win!"
The third in the running is Conwy Valley-based shop and Welsh regional winner at the 2021 and 2022 Farm Shop and Deli Retailer Awards Bodnant Welsh Food, which is run by the Reynolds family. Alongside a farm shop, it also - like Forage Farm - has a restaurant and also a wellness haven, in which customers can enjoy yoga and physiotherapy.
It told Wales Online: "We are really proud to be nominated for the Farm Shop & Deli of the Year Award, again this year. This year’s nomination means even more given that it is based on staff relationships and training. As a family business we like to think of all our employees as an extension of our family so it feels great to be recognised for this!"
Speaking about its shop, the Reynold's family wrote on the Bodnant Farm Shop website: "As a family that is passionate about food, we wanted to create a place in The Conwy Valley that can be enjoyed by everyone. It was important to us to have a large selection of produce from local suppliers, as well as many homemade artisan products. We hope that you can join us on this journey to shop, eat and live more sustainably and locally!"
For more information, see the awards' website.
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