Market Garden Produce in Woodbridge is celebrating after being commended in this year’s Farm Shop and Deli Awards.
The awards, which are now in their second year, recognise the best retailers in 12 different sectors, such as butcher, baker and cheesemonger.
There was a winner, plus two commended companies, in each category, with Market Garden Produce commended under Greengrocer of the Year.
“We are quite chuffed,” said Chris Harrold, who has been running the greengrocer’s shop in Woodbridge for three-and-a-half years.
“We nominated ourselves initially,” he added. “I had to write a one-page entry on what we do and why we do it, and it went from there.”
“A couple of weeks ago we found out we’d been commended,” he continued. “We’re quite pleased. We’re a tiny little greengrocer in a tiny little town.”
Chris prides himself on offering the best quality fruit and vegetables, and local produce whenever possible.
“With the advent of supermarkets, greengrocers have died a death, but we’re very lucky in Woodbridge that people still want to walk into town and choose fresh produce rather than pre-packed,” he said.
Although specialising in selling fruit and veg, other local produce is also available at the shop, such as eggs and honey.
But for Chris, it’s not just about running the business – he is also involved in the local community.
Chris is chairman of Choose Woodbridge, which is a group of local business people who aim to promote the town to residents and visitors.
The group does this by organising events, such as the Easter egg hunt, the carnival and the Christmas street fair, producing a town guide, running a website and social media and more.
“It’s not just about running a business in a town, it’s about making sure that business is part of a community,” said Chris. “It’s nice to give something back to the residents of the area.”
“I’d like to thank everyone who shops here and keeps us going,” he added. “I’d also like to thank our staff, who are fantastic. They’re very knowledgeable and helpful.”
After being commended in this year’s awards, Chris said he might enter again in 2016. “I might try and enter next year and try to win it!” he concluded.
Market Garden Produce is in the Turban Centre in Woodbridge. For more information, call 01394 386298.
n For further details on the awards, visit www.farmshopanddelishow.co.uk/awards
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