Local Oxfordshire business, Millets Farm Shop in Frilford near Abingdon, has reached the finals of the coveted Farm Retailer of the Year competition, organised by the National Farmers’ Retail & Markets Association (FARMA). One of only six other farm shops across the UK selected for the final round of judging, Millets will hear if they are the category winner on 25 January 2011 at FARM & MORE, the sector’s national conference.

 

Jo Kent of Millets commented, “We are delighted to be finalists in the FARMA Awards. The business was established over 50 years ago by the Carter family, who continue to expand and develop it in an entrepreneurial way. Local food for local people was a founding principal of the business and continues to be a key focus.”

 

In the stages completed so far, a detailed entry form submitted by Millets has been followed up by a ‘mystery shopper’ visit to the farm shop. As a finalist, Millets Farm Shop will be visited and assessed again in the next few months by the team of FARMA judges, comprising of former award winners and farm retail peers.

 

“We’re passionate about the food we grow and sell in the farm shop,” Jo continued. “We pride ourselves on the huge selection of our own produce, picked daily for exceptional freshness and also work closely with local growers to offer our customers the best seasonal selection with the lowest food miles at value for money prices.”

 

Millets is a well-established family business, selling fruit and vegetables direct to the public since 1975 when it opened a pick-your-own, shortly followed by a farm shop. Today the Farm Centre houses a large farm shop, including a bakery, butchers, deli and fish counter, garden centre, and restaurants. The PYO continues to thrive, and a further 150 acres of farmland is dedicated to growing more than 30 varieties of fruit and vegetables for the shop and sale at farmers’ markets. Wheat is grown and milled to provide flour for the on-site bakery and Millets apples are pressed to produce their own brand of juice. Visitors can also enjoy a farm zoo, play area and woodland trails as well as seasonal attractions such as Easter Eggstravaganza, Maize Maze and Halloween Howl.

 

“Our other farm shop departments are also experts in their field from our bakers to the fishmonger and butchers - plus of course our deli and cheese counter specialists,” Jo added. “Together with an extensive country pantry section full of practical and specialist ingredients, preserves, treats and goodies as well as cooking accessories, we provide a great selection of items for home cooking including our own seasonal recipe cards.”

 

Despite their success, the Carter family, who own, farm and manage the business, are not content to rest on their laurels. The youngest members of the family are keen to build on the business’ 35 years’ experience, to work with more local suppliers, and to offer even more to their loyal customers. Last year a farm shop was opened in Evesham, managed by Lucinda la Velle (nee Carter) as a means of taking the quality and experience of Millets further afield.

 

“We are delighted that Millets Farm Shop is one of the 2011 FARMA Awards finalists,” commented Rita Exner, FARMA Secretary. “As one of UK’s original farm retailers, it has paved the way for so many others. Even today, in spite of having grown into a big business, Millets has retained its integrity and commitment to own and local produce. In this next round of judging, we will be looking in more depth at all the finalists, considering not only the customer experience, but the retailing and management skills behind the scenes. Congratulations to everyone at Millets for making it this far – it’s a great achievement – and I wish them all the best for the final round.”

 

For more information about Millets Farm Centre visit:

 

Milletsfarmcentre.com or follow us on Twitter @milletsfarmcentre