Chatsworth farm shop's a winner

Staff at Chatsworth's farm shop are celebrating success as the best farm shop in the Midlands, after winning the regional round of the prestigious Farm Retailer of the Year award.

André Birkett, Chatsworth farm shop manager

The award from The National Farmers' Retail & Markets Association (FARMA) recognises developments and improvements, innovation, and good management practices. Chatsworth farm shop beat off stiff competition in the Midlands, becoming one of four finalists for the national title.

Gareth Jones for FARMA praised Chatsworth for its innovative developments and business achievements:

"Chatsworth farm shop is a beacon in our sector and an excellent role-model, having stimulated local production to create a top-quality supply-line as well as producing a huge range of foods from its own production kitchens.

"The judges were impressed with their management style, which allows a strong sense of responsibility to develop, accompanied by a dedication to training and personal growth.

"It would be easy for a business with the reputation of Chatsworth farm shop to rest on its laurels but it was absolutely clear to all of us that this is a business that constantly strives to do better - and succeeds."

André Birkett, Chatsworth farm shop manager said:

"We're delighted to receive an award that recognises the innovation and hard work of our staff in developing the farm shop into a thriving business.

"We've introduced many new ideas and business developments since the farm shop was established in 1977, but still maintain a friendly and personal service, while fulfilling our philosophy to source locally and support small food producers."

Established in 1977 by the then Duchess of Devonshire (now the Dowager Duchess) to sell meat and dairy products from the estate farms direct to customers, the farm shop started life as a 20' square tack room, and slowly expanded over the years into neighbouring buildings.

Today it is a busy and vibrant farm shop with a large on-site bakery, a vast butchery counter and delicatessen, and a hugely popular restaurant. It now attracts more than one million visitors to its doors each year.

Chatsworth farm shop source primarily from what is available on the estate, secondly from products produced by the estate's tenant farmers, thirdly from Derbyshire producers and then from other quality suppliers within the UK. More than 63% of the farm shop turnover comes from products produced on the Chatsworth estate, and only 0.1% of the goods for sale in the farm shop are from overseas.