Minskip Farm Shop wins National Rising Star Award

A popular North Yorkshire farm shop are celebrating after winning a prestigious industry award.

Minskip Farm Shop, based near Boroughbridge were awarded the Rising Star accolade at the 2021 Farm Retail Association Awards which recognises businesses achievements in their early stages.

Although Minskip has been operating for over 40 years, new owners Emma and Ben Mosey took over the business in 2017 and have since more than tripled its turnover.  As well as expanding the farm shop to include a range of locally sourced and home grown produce, the husband and wife team also opened Yolk Farm Kitchen, the world’s first egg restaurant based on a free range egg farm last year.

The new eatery’s aim was to connect customers with their food on the farm and offer a quirky menu featuring unique egg dishes with a healthy twist using eggs exclusively from Minskip’s flock of free range hens paired with a range of seasonal produce grown in their market garden.

Starting with only 2 staff members, the team has since grown and now employ over 35 people from the local area.  As well as welcoming visitors every day of the year except Christmas Day, Minskip also run a popular programme of events including Yoga and wellness, art and children’s activities.

Emma said: “This award recognises businesses in their early stages and we’re thrilled to have been chosen amongst some other fantastic businesses. We need to thank our awesome team for making the dream real and to our wonderful customers for their support throughout.

“The last 12 months have obviously been a tricky time for businesses but we’re really looking forward to being able to welcome visitors back to the farm and restaurant once we’re allowed and getting our programme of events up and running again.”

Celebrating their 40th anniversary last year, the Farm Retail Association (formerly known as FARMA),

have over 350 members throughout the UK and aim to champion the best farm shops and farmers’ markets around the country.

For the first time in their history, the awards took place virtually in an online ceremony that showcased the very best businesses from around the UK. Unique in being the only awards judged by fellow farm retailers to celebrate their sector, the categories include awards for best farm shop, farm café and restaurant, farmers’ markets and trade suppliers.

Chairman Rob Copley said: “Judging this year’s entries really was no mean feat. The FRA is proud to represent a sector that is bursting with imagination, full of innovation and most importantly, a real passion for quality British produce. A huge congratulations to all our winners, they are truly among the very best in the business.”

For more information about Minskip Farm Shop visit their website www.yolkfarm.co.uk