HAMPSHIRE FARMERS’ MARKETS WINS NATIONAL FARM RETAIL AWARD

 

Hampshire Farmers’ Markets has won Farmers’ Market of the Year in a national award ceremony which celebrates the very best of the farm retail industry.

 

Hampshire Farmers’ Markets (HFM) was announced as one of the winners across eight categories in the prestigious awards organized by the Farm Retail Association (FRA) which was formed in 1979.

 

The Farm Retail Awards, kindly sponsored by The EPOS Bureau, are the only awards to be judged by fellow farm retailers and celebrate the best farm shops, farm cafés and restaurants, farmers’ markets and trade suppliers in the country.

 

Hampshire Farmers’ Markets was one of four finalists in the category, up against Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market in County Durham, Great Malvern Farmer’s Market in Worcestershire and Moseley Farmers’ Market in the West Midlands.

 

Following the virtual awards ceremony HFM Chairman David Woodroofe said: “We’re all absolutely over the moon. This award is shared among every producer, market manager, our loyal customers and everyone behind the scenes that make the markets happen all year round. 2020 was a difficult year for all of us, so to receive this very special accolade makes it all worthwhile.”

 

The judges said of HFM: “Hampshire Farmers’ Markets really does tick all the boxes. With strong management, the market offers a good range of stalls and products amid a good set-up.

“To keep everyone safe, customers were managed both when near stalls or on paths around the stalls. Each stall was also well positioned and safe.

“The marketing is good, and the stallholders present themselves as a combined business and community with extremely high standards.”

Chairman of the FRA Rob Copley said: “Judging this year’s entries really was no mean feat. The FRA is proud to represent a sector that is bursting with imagination, full of innovation and most importantly, a real passion for quality British produce. A huge congratulations to all our winners, they are truly among the very best in the business.

“It has taken a superhuman effort by everyone in farm retail over the last 12 months to adapt to very different ways of doing business and serving customers. All of our winners can take great pride in what they have achieved and they can look to the future with great confidence.”

 

The FRA is open to thousands of independent retailers across the UK and offers its members support, training, workshops and open days.