Shop of the Year Press Release Template

P R E S S  R E L E A S E

[INSERT IMAGE OF SHOP, OWNERS AND / OR TEAM]

  [INSERT NAME OF COMPANY]

shortlisted in Shop of the Year 2018

The Guild of Fine Food’s annual Shop of the Year awards, an accreditation which recognises and promotes excellence in independent retail, has announced its shortlist for 2018 and [NAME OF SHOP IN CITY/REGION] is among those in the running for the [Best Delicatessen | Best Shop or Garden Centre with Food Hall | Best Grocer, Village or Community Shop | Best Specialist Cheese Shop] award. Having had its written entry reviewed by a panel of respected industry experts, [NAME OF SHOP] will now undergo two further rounds of judging this summer, including an announced visit from one of the judges and a mystery shop by Shopper’s Anonymous.

Previously forming part of the Great Taste accreditation scheme, Shop of the Year has evolved to apply an even more rigorous and robust judging process dedicated solely to retail. Celebrating delis, farm shops, cheesemongers and more, Shop of the Year offers independent retailers a chance to achieve a stamp of approval with real integrity, much like Great Taste does for food and drink products.

From the overall shopping experience and financial performance to staff training opportunities and environmental initiatives, the panel of highly experienced judges, which includes Edward Berry of The Flying Fork, Stuart Gates, who has worked for both Harrods and Fortnum & Mason, award-winning retailer Tracey Colley and Georgina Mason from Gonalston Farm Shop, will rate, score and feedback on every aspect of [NAME OF SHOP] before agreeing on an overall category winner.

[Your quote should go here – How does it feel to be in the Shop of the Year shortlist? Why did you decide to enter? Is it the judges’ proven track record of success in independent retail, a chance to put your shop on the map, showcase any initiatives or give your dedicated team a boost?  What do you hope to get from Shop of the Year if you win your category? What are you hoping the judges and Shopper’s Anonymous will experience when they visit?] [YOUR NAME AND POSITION IN THE COMPANY].

On Thursday 20 September, Shop of the Year 2018 will reach an exciting finale when the world of fine food gathers at No. 42 Southwark Street, the Guild of Fine Food’s London base, to find out the winners of Best Delicatessen; Best Farm Shop or Garden Centre with Food Hall; Best Grocer, Village or Community Shop; and Best Specialist Cheese Shop.

[Date of release]

For more information: [Insert your name and contact details]

Twitter: [insert handle]

Instagram: [insert handle]

#ShopoftheYear