The Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards shine a spotlight on the most exciting talent, products, and businesses in the world of artisan food and drink. Taking place on day one of the Fair, the Awards will celebrate remarkable achievements across the sector, from cutting-edge product development to the independent retailers championing quality, sustainability, and community impact.
Categories include Outstanding Regional Star, Outstanding Industry Champion, and Best DEI Champion, alongside accolades for outstanding retailers and standout new products both from the UK and overseas.
Nicola Woods, Event Manager for Speciality & Fine Food Fair, said: “These awards are all about championing the passion, creativity, and resilience that define our sector. Whether it’s a beautifully crafted new product or a retailer going above and beyond for their community, the shortlist reflects the very best of speciality food and drink in 2025.”
The shortlist is:
Large Independent Retailer of the Year, sponsored by WBC and in partnership with BIRA
- Nourished Communities
- Valentina Deli
- Farmer Copleys Farm Shop Ltd
Small Independent Retailer of the Year, sponsored by WBC and in partnership with BIRA
- Morgans Butchery Ltd
- The Norfolk Deli
- Club Soda
- French & Day Delicatessen
New Product of the Year – International
- Brigidini di Lamporecchio by Rinati Srl
- Kimchi Ketchup by Chimac
- Hermione by Olivian Groves
- Jara 100% Wild Honey by TFELI LLC
New Product of the Year – UK
- Mushroom Risotto by Norfolk Mushroomery
- Zaatar Passata by Terra Rossa
- Two Farmers 0.0% Apple Cider by Two Farmers Cider
- Sweet Dill Pickle Chips by Pickle Project
Not Yet on the Shelf
- Smoked Cornish Mackerel by Hevva!
- Full Power Cacao by Full Power Cacao
- Glen Keen Estate Irish Cream Liqueur by Glen Keen Estate Ltd
- 5 Brut by Nunc Living Ltd
- Sal de Ibiza D’l Vera by D’l Vera Group
“It’s an incredible honour to be shortlisted for the Speciality & Fine Food Fair Independent Retailer Award,” says Miles Nicholas, Director at Morgans Butchery Ltd,
“After having to rebuild my life and career following a stroke, this recognition means more than I can say. We’ve worked hard to create a welcoming, inclusive butchery for everyone, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved as a family.”
Vhari Russell, Founder of The Food Marketing Expert and judge, comments: “It was such a tough judging session to pick this year’s shortlist. The quality of the products was incredibly high, along with the branding and packaging, and we enjoyed many debates around the judging table. The awards are such a wonderful opportunity to showcase those exhibiting at the show and give them credit for the amazing products they make.”
Scott Winston, SME Brand Consultant and judge for the New Product of the Year categories, comments: “It was an honour to once again be asked to judge the Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards this year. The quality and diversity of entries across all categories is representative of the food scene in 2025 and made it hard to pick winners.”
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), concludes: “These awards are so important. Indie retailers are facing so many challenges and so it is fantastic to see and recognise innovation, brilliant retailing and success in this way. These awards remind me that this sector has so much talent and so much to offer.”
Speciality & Fine Food Fair returns to Olympia on 9-10 September 2025. Cast your votes for this year’s award nominees at specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk/speciality-fine-food-fair-awards-2025/cast-vote.