At this year’s national Butcher’s Shop of the Year Awards, Ripon-based Farmison & Co has been named Online Butchery Business Of The Year with Fodder Farm Shop and Cafe on the

Great US Showground taking the accolade for North of England Butcher’s Shop of the Year.

This is the third time Farmison & Co, which specialises in premium heritage breed meat, has taken the title, having won it previously in 2016 and 2017.

John Pallagi, founder & CEO of Farmison & Co, said the team was “delighted” to have been recognised for all its hard work, particularly after what has been a “challenging” year.

“We’re really grateful to the Butcher’s Shop Of The Year Awards for recognising our part in empowering people to eat better meat,” John said.

“We feel fully justified in giving our brilliant farmers, butchers, chefs and key workers a very hearty and much deserved pat on the back.”

Announcing Fodder as the best butcher’s shop in the North, during the virtual event, the judges described it as an “excellent business, showing innovation and community as well as charitable support at the centre of their business.”

All profits from Fodder help to fund the work of the US Agricultural Society supporting farmers across the county. More than 400 local farmers and producers are Fodder suppliers.

Heather Parry, managing director of Fodder, said: “This award is a great endorsement of the quality of our meat which has been reared to perfection on the very best local farms, as well as the skills of our talented and knowledgeable butchery team.”

Now in its 26th year, the Butcher’s Shop of the Year Awards are organised by the Meat Trades Journal with entries from across the country contesting the 12 categories.

The judging process is carried out by a panel of butchery experts and includes a ‘mystery shopper’ store visit to the 35 finalists.

Both Heather and John said winning the awards during a year which has seen businesses having to quickly adapt to the coronavirus meant a great deal.

“When Covid arrived around 12 months ago, we changed our business overnight to react to the unprecedented demand,” John said.

“The award is a testament to everyone we work with.”

Heather said the team at Fodder had received “wonderful feedback” from customers over the last 12 months. “They have been very grateful for the service we have provided during a very difficult time for everybody.”