Farm shops and food retailers from across the UK have been recognised in the shortlist for the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards 2026 - but none of the finalists are based in Powys.

The annual awards, which celebrate excellence in specialist food retail, have unveiled 54 finalists across eight categories, highlighting businesses that champion British produce, sustainable sourcing and strong community links in both rural and urban areas.

Despite Powys’ strong farming heritage and local food sector, the county is absent from this year’s shortlist. Wales as a whole has only two representatives.

The Welsh finalists are Dylan’s Baked Goods & General Store in Llangefni, Anglesey, shortlisted in the Delicatessen category, and Forage Farm Shop & Kitchen in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, which has been named a finalist in the Farm Shop – Large category.

The nearest shortlisted business is Oakchurch Farm Shop, based in Staunton-on-Wye in west Herefordshire. The business has been recognised in the Farm Shop – Large category.

Oakchurch began life in the 1970s as a pick your own strawberry farm, run by Hereford born Edward and Ros Price. The couple originally sold produce from a small wooden shed at the roadside, supplying fruit grown on the family farm.

Over time, the business expanded as beef fattened on the farm and other local produce were added, leading to the need for larger premises. While still family owned, Oakchurch has since developed into a major destination showcasing Herefordshire food and drink producers.

Today the site includes an in house butchers, garden centre and retail space offering everything from fresh food and homeware to outdoor living and clothing, while retaining strong links to local agriculture.

The Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards are delivered in partnership with The Grocer and championed by Fieldfare, with the aim of recognising retailers that combine commercial success with innovation, sustainability and outstanding customer experience.

Finalists were selected following a rigorous judging process that included hundreds of entries being reviewed by a panel from across the retail, wholesale and wider food industry. The process culminated in an in person judging day held at Fortnum & Mason in London.

Judges assessed entries against a wide range of criteria, including business performance, innovation, sustainability, customer engagement and testimonials from both suppliers and shoppers, ensuring the shortlist reflects genuine excellence within the sector.

In total, eight categories are represented in the 2026 awards: Butcher, Delicatessen, Farm Shop – Large, Farm Shop – Small, Independent Local Shop or Village Store, Online Business, Other Specialist Retailer and Newcomer of the Year.

Regional winners will be announced on Monday, April 13, during the Farm Shop & Deli Show, part of the UK Food & Drink Shows.

Lucie Morigeon, marketing executive for the awards, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the calibre of the entries in this years’ Retailer Awards - it has been a pleasure to help bring us all together to reward and celebrate specialist retailers working so hard in the tough economic climate we see ourselves in at the moment.

“We pride ourselves on delivering a judging process built on consistency, integrity and genuine industry expertise.