The fourth annual Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards, in partnership with FICT, took place on Tuesday 10 September at Olympia London, with inspirational retailers, diversity champions, innovative products and an outstanding industry champion celebrated at a ceremony in the Fair’s Talking Trends stage.  

The awards were launched to celebrate the individuals, products and business that make the fine food & drink sector so remarkable: driving change and innovation at every turn and putting community and people at the heart of what they do. 

The awards ceremony was hosted by Speciality & Fine Food Fair Event Manager Nicky Woods, who commented: “We were not only overwhelmed by the unprecedented number of entries but also by their exceptional quality. This truly highlights the incredible innovation happening within our industry. Huge congratulations to all of today’s winners, you are true trailblazers in the speciality food & drink sector.” 

New Product of the Year - UK 

Matcha Ginger Refresher - The Matcha Yaad 

New Product of the Year - International 

Dip & Snack Red Pepper Hummus - The Happy Pear

The 'Not Yet on the Shelf' Award 

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

Small Independent Retailer of the Year, in partnership with BIRA 

The Cheese Lady 

Large Independent Retailer of the Year, in partnership with BIRA 

Low Sizergh Barn

Best DEI Initiative 

Nemi Teas Ltd

Outstanding Contribution to the Industry  

Vhari Russell, The Food Marketing Experts and Creating Nature’s Corridors 

Monique Farquharson, Founder of The Matcha Yaad and winner of Best New Product of the Year – UK, commented: “This is super amazing for us! We’ve just launched, and it’s really been a passion project. To get to this point after leaving Jamaica, living in Japan and now in the UK is wonderful. It’s amazing to see our efforts being rewarded.” 

Alison Park, Managing Director, Low Sizergh Barn, winners of Large Independent Retailer of the Year, in partnership with BIRA, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to win, especially seeing the quality of the other finalists. It’s a wonderful surprise and a reward for all the team back at the farm shop and cafe. You often just do your own thing day to day and to get this recognition is incredible.”