DELICATESSEN Bloomfields which has shops in Highworth and Shrivenham has been entered into the Farm Shop and Deli Awards 2017.

The awards, now in their fourth year, recognise the very best standards in specialist retail and celebrate the highest levels of service, product knowledge, initiative, innovation and community involvement.

Tim Belcher, a partner at Bloomfields, said: “As an independent local business, it would be great to win this award and highlight what we do here in Highworth and Shrivenham.

"Our mission is to offer the widest range of quality locally sourced and homemade food to our community as well as provide an exceptional level of personal customer service.”

The coveted awards recognise excellence within the specialist retail market, focusing on independent speciality retailers who sell regional fresh/farm produce or have a delicatessen counter. They are offered across 12 categories, including Delicatessen of the Year.

Nigel Barden, chairman of judges and BBC Radio 2 gastronome, said: "The artisan food and drink market is particularly competitive and it’s crucial that we recognise those who are championing the sector by leading from the front.

"It’s important that they can be acknowledged by the public and their peers in the trade.”

Entrants will also have the opportunity to win as a regional winner. The regional winners will progress through to have the opportunity to win the overall coveted title of Farm Shop and Deli Awards Retailer of the Year which will be announced at the Farm Shop and Deli Show on Monday, April 24 next year at Birmingham’s NEC.

Bloomfields, which also provides outside catering and hampers online, are no strangers to awards. In 2012/13 they won South West Deli of the Year and in 2014 were crowned Business of the Year at the Fairford and Lechlade Business Awards.

This year Bloomfields were also highly commended in the Great British Food Awards.

Now Bloomfields which has been serving the Swindon area with locally sourced food from small producers is relying on the public to help them win the latest accolade by voting for them at: www.farmshopanddelishow.co.uk/entry/bloomfields-fine-food 

Voting closes on Monday, October 31, and one lucky voter will be entered into a draw to win a food hamper.