The shortlist has been unveiled for the Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards 2024, sponsored by the Federation of French Charcuterie Catering Companies (FICT), which recognise quality artisan products and inspiring independent retailers.  

Nicola Woods, Event Manager for Speciality & Fine Food Fair, comments: “We were overwhelmed by the volume and quality of the award entries this year, with our judges deliberating hard to select the shortlisted products and businesses.  

“It’s so exciting to see the innovation in the UK and international speciality food sector, and to read about the amazing work independent retailers are doing to serve their communities and champion artisanal food & drink.  

“Congratulations to everyone shortlisted, we can’t wait to celebrate with you at the Fair!” 

The shortlist for the 2024 Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards is:  

Not Yet on the Shelf 

• Fowlescombe Rare & Pasture Ltd - Rare @ Pasture Smoked Beef Pastrami 

• Persian Kitchen Foods Ltd - Baba Ganoush 

• Hensol Castle Distillery - Hensol Castle Welsh Vodka 

• SUPERKEEN - Organic Cereal powered by Tiger Nuts 

Caragh Keane, Founder of SUPERKEEN, comments: "I am so incredibly grateful to hear that SUPERKEEN is shortlisted for a Speciality & Fine Food Fair Award 2024! Specialty & Fine Food Fair is an amazing event that I have wanted to be a part of since starting the brand. We are 'Super Keen' to hear the results and to hear all about the wonderful brands involved.” 

New Product of the Year - International 

• Asilia Limited - Asilia Salt 

• The Happy Pear - Dip & Snack Red Pepper Hummus 

• Be Truffle - Sweet Truffle Chilli 

• Be Truffle - Truffle Soy Sauce 

New Product of the Year - UK 

• Golden Hooves - Red Leicester 

• House of Theobroma - Cacaolasses 

• The Matcha Yaad - Matcha Ginger Refresher 

• Golden Hooves - Smoked Cheddar 

Best DEI Initiative 

• NEMI Teas Ltd. 

• The Biskery 

Large Independent Retailer of the Year, in partnership with BIRA 

• Low Sizergh Barn 

• The De Beauvoir Deli 

• Cobbs Farm Co Ltd 

• Priory Farm Estate 

Small Independent Retailer of the Year, in partnership with BIRA 

• Cheese Etc. The Pangbourne Cheese Shop 

• The Norfolk Deli 

• Forest Deli 

• The Cheese Lady 

Andrew Goodacre CEO of BIRA (British Independent Retailers Association) and awards judge, comments: “In my role as CEO for BIRA I am lucky to be invited to judge many awards. I see this as a privilege as I read about some of the fantastic retail businesses on our high streets throughout the UK. These awards were no different, with all the entrants showing their real passion for their business and their customers. In my mind they are all winners.” 

Stefano Cuomo, CEO of Macknade and awards judge, adds: “Showcasing the very best of our peers, as chosen by the communities that use them, these awards highlight the innovation and hard work that goes on in our independent businesses, up and down our nation, to not only provide incredible service and experience, but illustrating how we, as a sector, are leading the shift to progressive and sustainable supply chains and consumption – reading my peers’ entries for these awards makes me so proud to be part of this vibrant sector!” 

The independent retailer and new product awards are now open for public industry vote. Industry professionals can learn more about all the nominees and cast their vote for the winners at specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk/speciality-fine-food-fair-awards-2024/cast-vote. 

Speciality & Fine Food Fair returns to ExCeL London on 10-11 September 2024 to celebrate its 25th anniversary. To find out more about everything happening at this special edition of the Fair, and to secure your complimentary trade ticket, visit specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk.