For months now we’ve been sounding the rallying cry for delis everywhere, shouting from the roof tops to let everyone know that if you are a deli or farm shop – big or small, town or country, high street or rural, then we have THE competition for you!!! Now the nominations and entry stage is drawing near its closing date – but it’s not over yet.

We have the whole country covered – if nothing else we have the perfect map for a foodies tour of Great Food in Great Britain.  From Aberdeenshire to deepest Cornwall we know where to stop to grab a bite with a bit of pizzazz.

When the illustrious group of judges (we’ve got some top names in there) gather to discuss the entries, we’re confident that they will be blown away by the number of nominations and entries we’ve received.  From the smallest deli counters, that are new to the game and bursting with enthusiasm and energy, to some of the big established names that have the ‘deli attitude’ down to a fine art – they’re all in there. ……….

BUT …………….there is only one last thing to say on the matter – if you’re a deli and you want to send us your entry pack there is still time – and if you want to cast your vote for your favourite deli (and have a chance to win the trip to Spain) you can still do so – in both cases you have to be in it to win it!

Fiona.

As we enter the final week or so of Deli of the Year we thought we should remind everyone that if you are someone’s favourite deli – then it’s time to send in your entry packs! Being nominated by your lovely customers is a great achievement in itself, and although it might give you a warm fuzzy feeling inside – it doesn’t mean that you are in with a chance of winning the big prize UNLESS YOU SEND US YOUR ENTRY!

To be crowned Deli of the Year you need to send us your entry packs and it’s dead simple, all we need is a few words about why your shop has the ‘Deli Attitude’ and your five top tips on what makes your deli counter a success – and that’s it!! Do feel free to send us any other materials that will help demonstrate how great you are though – photos, press cuttings or even a poem!!  We welcome originality! For full details on entry packs just click here.

Also, if you want to vote for your favourite deli you still have time!  If you know the perfect little place, with the most interesting cheese counter, freshest and inventive crusty loaves from the bakery and quirkiest selection of deli delights – we want to hear about it!

Fiona.

PS – Did I mention your Deli of the Year entry?

Have you ever noticed the little ‘Oea’ in the seal on the Deli of the Year logo? Well you may or may not be aware that that ‘Oea’ stands for Olives Et Al – the creators and backers of Deli of the Year. The reason the logo is only there in the background is that it’s how we see ourselves in the whole process. There’s no fee to take part and entrants don’t even need to trade with us to enter.   We feel it’s crucial the entire deli and farm shop sector is supported, and we just want to do our bit.

We believe in delis and the huge amount they bring to British food culture. Delis and all those with the ‘deli attitude’ are champions of great food in this Country and so, by supporting delis, we are ensuring that we have access to food that is a little different and a bit special, brought to us by those who see food as more than just a commodity – and that’s important to us not just as Olives Et Al but as individual food lovers!

Things are really heating up in the competition now – this week we sent through the list of judges to delis that have entered.  The completely independent panel is full of deeply experienced ‘foodies’ and they will soon be scouring the Country for the finest purveyors of beautiful and delicious food.

From food authors and retail experts, to leading deli and farm shop owners, who already have the perfect deli attitude nailed, we have a brilliant panel that will help us find Britain’s best deli!

Voting ends in only 18 days – so please back your deli and get your votes and entries in – your deli needs you!!!

Fiona.

Just over the half way point of the competition now and it’s great to see so many nominations flying in from up and down the country – we’ve even received some Deli Entries – the postie has delivered some very intriguing parcels and envelopes. We’ve received votes for more established names – who know how to create, and importantly maintain a great deli experience every time customers step through the door, and we’ve also received votes for some up-and-coming delis and farm shops that are experimenting with something new, something a little bit different to make each visit special – and that’s what DOTY is all about – celebrating delis of course.

Whether the difference is down to the regionality of the food served, the array of food and drink to choose from (offering something to customers that they may never have heard of, let alone tried) or whether it’s down to the extra personal touches – it’s these differences that can make the perfect deli attitude, something to really shout about!

The votes are now coming in thick and fast -  so far we have received over 1000 online votes and we have more than 200 nominated delis (at the last count!),  which is fantastic! If you’ve placed your vote, sit back, relax, make yourself a nice fresh cup of coffee and give yourself a metaphorical pat on the back for a job well done! If you haven’t placed your vote….. what are you waiting for !! Tell us all about your favourite deli right here..

Emily