Aubrey Allen named 2026 Retailer of the Year at the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards The winners of the 2026 Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards were revealed on the 13th April, and leading the celebrations was Aubrey Allen of Leamington Spa, proudly named this year’s Retailer of the Year. At a lively ceremony during the Farm Shop & Deli Show at the NEC Birmingham, the acclaimed business also secured Butcher of the Year and Midlands Regional Winner, making it a remarkable trio of achievements. This year’s event, delivered in partnership with The Grocer and championed by Fieldfare, brought together the finest examples of independent retail across the UK and Northern Ireland. Ten category winners and nine regional champions were honoured, alongside special achievements including Highly Commended distinctions and the sought-after Newcomer of the Year award. Enthusiastic crowds of finalists, exhibitors, and attendees cheered on as Aubrey Allen emerged at the forefront of exceptional competition. Aubrey Allen captured the judges’ attention throughout the process, earning praise for its exemplary standards and forward-thinking approach. Judges commented: “A really top class shop. They demonstrate so much of what a retail food businesses needs to be doing to survive and thrive in today’s challenging retail landscape. The diversity and lengths they go to keep and retain staff is why they are such a great business.” In addition to Aubrey Allen’s accolades, Dunston Hall from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, was announced as the 2026 Newcomer of the Year. The category saw strong contenders across the country, with Butcher Farrell’s Meat Emporium (Ormskirk, Lancashire), Flourish at Farleigh Road (Avon, Bristol), and Mouse & Grape (Middlesex, London) all receiving Highly Commended recognition. Congratulations to all the deserving winners! Nominations are now open for next year’s Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards. If there’s a specialist retailer you believe is making a real impact, nominate them and help celebrate their achievements. Nominations will close on 27th July 2026. www.farmshopanddelishow.co.uk/awards h+h americas Fall launches h+h americas is proud to announce an exceptional industry response to the launch of the h+h americas Fall Edition, taking place in Houston, Texas, September 30th to 2nd October, 2026, signalling strong momentum across the fibre and fabric sectors for a focused fall marketplace. The event’s early sign-up ‘Founders Programme’ is now officially closed, securing participation from 65 companies representing six countries and more than 11,250 square feet of exhibit space. These companies represent the official Founding Member cohort of the h+h americas Fall Edition. Their participation sends a clear message that the industry and worldwide business community is ready to gather this fall to drive sales, strengthen partnerships, and align strategic growth initiatives. “The response has been decisive”, said Darrin Stern, President & Managing Director of Koelnmesse, Inc. “We’re seeing broad support from fibre-based companies, fabric-based companies, and suppliers across categories. The industry is signalling that gathering in the fall matters — for sales, for strategy, and for community. Hence, we foresee continued participation in the months ahead, with companies worldwide joining us for this important fall industry gathering.” h+h americas Fall is a new business-to-business trade event for the US fibre and craft industry, designed to connect brands and retailers through product discovery, professional education, and networking. Produced by the team behind h+h americas – the premier U.S. craft trade show held each May since 2022 – h+h Fall builds on the momentum of the flagship event with an additional seasonal marketplace for the industry. Hotel blocks for the h+h americas Fall Edition are now open, giving exhibitors and attendees access to specially negotiated room rates at select properties near the event venue in Houston. We’ve partnered with area hotels to offer convenient, comfortable accommodations so that buyers, exhibitors, and industry professionals can make the most of their time on the show floor and in business sessions. https://fall.hh-americas.com INTERNATIONAL EVENTS 14
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