Why this popular farm shop and deli is officially the best in the region
Event host Nigel Barden, with Chloe Turner and Mike Brown, from Farm Shop/ Deli of the Year award winner Cedarbarn Farm Shop, and Rachel Goddard, ofYorkshire Mark. (Image: The Press)
A cherished North Yorkshire family business that began with a humble strawberry-picking caravan has been crowned Farm Shop/Deli of the Year.
Cedarbarn Farm Shop, near Pickering, claimed the title at The Press Food and Drink Awards after impressing judges with its commitment to quality produce, sustainability, exceptional customer service and support for Yorkshire’s farming and food-producing community.
The accolade celebrates more than 30 years of passion, innovation and dedication to local food.
It marks another milestone for the business that has grown from a small pick-your-own strawberry venture, launched in 1995, into one of the region’s best-loved food destinations, complete with a farm shop, café and miniature railway.
Fera Science was the headline sponsor of the awards. (Image: The Press)
Set on family farmland that has been in the Avison family since 1919, Cedarbarn has built its reputation on a simple philosophy: providing fresh, high-quality food with impeccable provenance and as few food miles as possible.
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Judges praised the farm shop’s field-to-fork approach, with much of the produce sold in store grown, reared or made on the farm. Customers can enjoy home-grown fruit and vegetables, grass-fed Aberdeen Angus beef, locally reared lamb and an extensive range of handmade products prepared by Cedarbarn’s talented kitchen team.
The business was also recognised for championing Yorkshire producers, with more than 100 local suppliers featured on its shelves alongside its own award-winning products.
Despite rising costs and challenging trading conditions, Cedarbarn has continued to flourish, increasing turnover by more than five per cent while investing in new facilities and expanding its popular deli offering.
A recently-upgraded deli counter and new range of artisan sandwiches and savoury treats have proved especially popular with visitors heading to the North Yorkshire Moors and coast.
Employing 51 local people, the farm shop’s success has been built on a dedicated team and a customer-first ethos that has earned widespread praise from shoppers.
Judges said Cedarbarn embodies everything the award stands for: outstanding local produce, a commitment to sustainability, support for the rural economy and a determination to create memorable food experiences for generations to come.
These brand-new awards, held at the National Railway Museum, celebrate the exceptional talent, flavour and creativity that make York and surrounding area one of the UK’s most exciting food and drink destinations.