Manager Chris Hallam, Cheesemaker Dan Kirkham and the rest of the Chorlton Cheesemongers Team were thrilled to announce their second award in less than 12 months.
Back in October 2022, the artisan food shop on Wilbraham Road was named Manchester Food and Drink retailer of the year at the Manchester Food & Drink Awards.
More recently, they have received national recognition by being named by the National Farm Shop & Deli Retail awards as ‘Best Small Retailer in the Northwest’.
For 2023, the Retailer of the Year Awards, in partnership with The Grocer and supported by Glebe Farm Foods Ltd and Quality Ornamentals Horticultural, recognised specialist retailers who are playing an important role in supporting and developing their team. The judges were looking for what initiatives they have implemented to retain, reward and empower their staff.
The nomination and entry campaign commenced in December and January this year, where consumers and suppliers were invited to nominate worthy contenders, and specialist retailers were invited to enter. From over 100 entries, our judging panel whittled this down to 60 finalists, announced in mid-March.
Judges then evaluated any retailers whose business opened after 1st January 2021 to compile the ‘Newcomer of the Year’ shortlist with an amazing 12 finalists from across the UK including butchers, delicatessens, food halls and farm shops.
Finally, after much deliberation and secret visits, the Best in Region, Newcomer of the Year and overall Retailer of the Year winners were announced to a live audience back in April.
Nigel Barden, Chair of Judges for the Awards commented: ““For yet another year, our judges had a difficult task drawing up the regional shortlists and winners for this year’s Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards, as there was an outstanding number of submissions from across the UK.
“There were some remarkable entries reflecting how these resourceful and diligent entrants care about their businesses – and their staff. It truly was a privilege to read about them and celebrate them at the winners’ announcement.”
While announcing that Chorlton Cheesemongers was named as Best Small Retailer in the North West, the judges’ commented:
“What a heart-warming submission to read. Having only opened in 2020, they have battled on and have had to reduce staff which must have been difficult too. Within their means, supporting staff with training and even training beyond their own business, is a generous gesture.
“Your shop sounds like a wonderful place to work. The training you give sounds fantastic and you’ve clearly got a whole team of cheese lovers working with you. I really liked the testimonials from other local businesses you work with, creating a supportive community around your business is as important as customers are. Well done for creating a fantastic business.”
The team behind the award-winning Chorlton Cheesemakers are expert on their field and are passionate about all things cheese. As well as selling cheese, hampers and celebration cakes in their shop and online, they also host regular tasting events in their Chorlton shop.
Chorlton Cheesemongers, 486 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21 9AS
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