We chat to Daniel Bentley, Operations Director at Cobbs Farm Co., which is shortlisted in the Large Retailer of the Year category in the Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards.

How does it feel to be shortlisted?

Being shortlisted for this award is incredibly exciting. It’s a wonderful recognition of the hard work and dedication of our entire teams across our Cobbs sites. We are thrilled to be acknowledged alongside so many other remarkable retail and hospitality businesses

Why do you think the judges thought Cobbs Farm stood out?

I hope the judges were impressed by our commitment to quality, sustainability, and community. At Cobbs, we pride ourselves on providing fresh, locally sourced produce and creating a welcoming environment for our customers. Our passion is food and people. we have great food from local and a far and we have a wonderful group of people who work for Cobbs to create the family feel that all bigger supermarkets are trying to recreate. I would like to think that is what resonated with the judges.

What does it mean to you to be an independent retailer?

For me, being an independent retailer across different counties gives us the ability and freedom to make relationships. This will be with suppliers but more importantly the customers. We can convey our values and ethos in a real way. We don’t necessarily need to be throwing slogans and what I call “fake” branding around to make us look better. We offer the best of what we can get hold of, and I think that makes us stand out. Our decision making helps our communities, local producers and growers. It’s good for the plant and we are sustainable. It’s incredibly rewarding to work with these morals and know the direct impact we can have.

What do you think your customers love most about Cobbs Farm?

Our customers love the quality and freshness of our produce, as well as the friendly, welcoming atmosphere of Cobbs. You don’t come to cobbs to get the dreaded food shop done, you come to enjoy what food is all meant to be about. Bringing people together. I believe customers appreciate our dedication to sourcing locally and sustainably, and the fact that were different than other shops make shopping and dining a real experience

What’s your approach to sourcing new food & drink?

Our approach to sourcing new food and drink is probably the most fun job in our diaries. We like to include all our foodies in the family with this as we think its important that they have a say to what sits on our shelves. At the end of the day, they’re the teams selling it and we try to create a culture of foodies within Cobbs. We do of course have parameters and structure otherwise it would rule over everything. We have a number of sessions throughout the year when we get together where we taste, test and decide.  After that, like our new menus, we shout and showcase what’s new, get samplers in, do stories on suppliers and also have supplier of the month promotions.

Saying that we are always on the lookout for unique, high-quality products that align with our values and sometimes we can’t help it and introduce new product throughout the year when it’s too good to wait. As much as we can we visit local farms and producers and go to food shows and markets to find the net gem.

Cast your vote for the winning Independent Retailer, New Product of the Year, and more at specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk/speciality-fine-food-fair-awards-2024.