We chat to Natalie Edwards, Assistant Director at Priory Farm Estate, shortlisted for Large Independent Retailer of the Year in the Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards 2024.  

How does it feel to be shortlisted?

We are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted as Best Independent Retailer. This recognition means the world to us, as it acknowledges the hard work, dedication, and passion our entire team pours into making our Farm Shop a special place for our community. It’s incredibly exciting to see our efforts celebrated and has given the team the recognition they truly deserve.

Why do you think the judges thought Priory Farm Estate stood out?

We think the judges recognised us due to our commitment to quality and community. We're dedicated to providing a great customer experience and offering a wide range of high-quality, sustainably-sourced products. Our genuine passion for specialty food and drink, along with our efforts to support small producers and other independent businesses, hopefully makes us stand out. We're really honoured to be noticed for what we strive to achieve every day, and will be keeping our fingers crossed for the finals!

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

Being an independent retailer means embracing both the challenges and rewards that come with running our own business. Over the past few years, independent retail has faced numerous obstacles, but one of the remarkable aspects of being an independent business is our ability to adapt. We take immense pride in our resilience and the hard work of our fantastic team, who make overcoming these challenges possible.

Additionally, we cherish the opportunity to collaborate with numerous small producers and other independent businesses. We believe in treating producers fairly and fostering partnerships that help all businesses succeed. This spirit of cooperation and community is at the heart of what it means to be an independent retailer for us.

What do you think your customers love most about Priory Farm Estate?

Our customers love us for our exceptional customer experience, diverse product range, and our genuine passion for specialty food and drink. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming atmosphere, offering high-quality, locally-sourced products, and sharing our enthusiasm and knowledge with our visitors. These elements mean we have an incredibly loyal customer base that is always growing! 

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

When it comes to sourcing new food and drink, we have a number of different strategies. We really enjoy attending trade shows to catch the latest trends and innovations, as well as meeting producers face to face. We also have great relationships with wholesalers who constantly bring exciting new products to our attention. We're always on the lookout for unique items that you won’t find in supermarkets, making sure our selection stays fresh and exciting for our customers. We’re fortunate to frequently be approached by new suppliers, and also find social media really useful when exploring new opportunities!

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.