Cherished Warwickshire farm shop misses out on national title in ‘Rural Oscars’

A popular Warwickshire farm shop has narrowly missed out on a major national award. Having been voted Local Food Midlands winner in the Countryside Alliance Awards, often dubbed the Rural Oscars’, Hillers Farm Shop near Alcester was hoping for further recognition as national champion.

But that honour went instead to Gazegill Organics in Lancashire “where a passion for farming and education shines through”, the panel of judges said. “Coupled with their commitment to putting more in than they take out, they are not only a trailblazer of environmentally friendly farming but they are also the heart of this community.”

Hillers also missed out on the ‘highly commended’ spot with that title going to Loch Leven’s Larder, near Kinross in central Scotland. Still, there is much for Hillers to be proud of after the business beat off competition from right across the region to win through to the champions reception at the House of Lords.

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Led by sisters Sally Haines and Emma Taylor, the family-run business, had pipped Warwickshire neighbours Rough Hill Farm Shop, just outside Studley, and three other highly-acclaimed enterprises to win the Midlands title. A H Hiller & Son Ltd started out around 100 years ago with Arnold Hiller and his son Robert picking from orchards and fruit fields leased from the Ragley Hall estate.

The farm shop itself was launched 45 years ago. Fruit and veg remains its core offering, but is supplemented by other revenue streams with the farm shop site boasting a deli, garden centre, cafe, gift shop and refreshments hut that opens during the summer.

“We’ve never lost sight of where it all started,” Sally told CoventryLive. “Our fruit and veg always gets lovely feedback from customers and we know it’s why people come to us.”