THE TEAM at an award-winning Somerset farm shop are celebrating after being named as runners-up in the Large Farm Shop of the Year category at the 2023 national Farm Retail Awards.
Rumwell Farm Shop was one of the finalists at this week’s (Tuesday, March 7) ceremony in Exeter along with several other top retailers from all over the country.
Anne Mitchell, Partner at the Farm Shop, located on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington, says: “We’re so delighted to have been selected as a runner-up in this award category especially when you look at the other amazing retailers whose company we’re in. They were Strawberry Fields Farm Shop, Hartley Farm, Newlyns Farm Shop and Farmer Copleys. The overall winner was Strawberry Fields Farm Shop. Huge congratulations to them and all the other finalists.
“It’s an amazing national accolade to be a finalist and to be in such illustrious company is fantastic. I would like to thank all our managers and every member of staff who helped get us to the finals. They work so hard and show such great resilience and positivity. This is wonderful recognition, even as runners up, of everyone’s commitment and dedication to the business. We’re now looking forward to going through the judges’ feedback as it will help us ensure we continue to excel in all areas and it’s vital for next year’s entry!”
The Farm Retail Awards, run by the Farm Retail Association (FRA), acknowledge and celebrate the best farm retailers in the UK.
Businesses from all corners of the country were shortlisted across eight categories from the ‘Rising Star Award’, which celebrates newcomers to the industry, to the Farm Shop Butchery of the Year Award.
Other categories include Small Farm Shop of the Year, Farmers’ Market of the Year, Farm Café/Restaurant of the Year, PYO of the Year and Associate Member of the Year.
Chairman of FRA, Rupert Evans says: “After one of the most challenging years that we have ever faced, it brings me great pleasure to announce some of the very best retailers in our industry. Our industry has faced soaring costs – not least within the food chain and the energy prices. This year, of all years, we need some good news and time for celebration.”
The awards ceremony, sponsored by specialist retailer COOK, took place this week (Tuesday, March 7) as part of the FRA’s annual Stronger Together event.
The ceremony followed a day of behind-the-scenes retail tours at the South West’s best farm shops including Rumwell Farm Shop.
The event continued with FRA’s 2023 conference taking place at Sandy Park in Exeter this week (Wednesday, March 8), which included topical workshops and expert guest speakers.
Rumwell Farm Shop is an independent, family-run, award-winning business owned by the Mitchell family. It was originally a potato store, when David and Anne Mitchell began selling their potatoes and free-range eggs at the gate more than 25 years ago.
Due to customer demand, the range of products soon increased, and the farm shop grew into the place it is today. David and Anne’s sons, James and Jack, are now also involved in the business, as well as their wives, Sophie and Donna.
Rumwell Farm Shop, which won nine Taste of the West Gold Awards in 2022 for its shop and café and also for some of its made onsite products, has a traditional Butchery counter selling its home-reared and free-range pork and Rumwell Angus beef. It’s traditional, dry cured back bacon was recently given the title of overall Champion Bacon in the Taste of the West Awards.
There is also a Delicatessen, Bakery, Jam Kitchen, Food Hall, Wine Cellar, Gluten Free Kitchen, Food To Go service and Gift Room. Its Café kitchen has also achieved Coeliac UK’s Gluten Free accreditation.
The food prepared in the Café kitchen is sourced from the Farm Shop, the Mitchell family farm, which is just four miles away, and other regional suppliers.
Families are welcome to the Café and there is a menu especially for children. It also serves afternoon teas, Sunday carvery and is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.
For more information, please call Rumwell Farm Shop, which is located in Rumwell between Taunton and Wellington, on 01823 461599 or visit www.rumwellfarmshop.com.
