We have won a 'Rural Oscar' for Local Food!

WE are delighted to say that we have been named local champions in the Countryside Alliance Awards this week.
 

The full title is South West Champion 2013 in the Local Food Award supported by DEFRA. Our next stop is a trip to the grand final at the Houses of Parliament next month, where we will be going up against other regional winners for the overall UK & Ireland Champion for Local Food title.

Here's what Judge Alison Hawes said about us: “Dike & Son is an amazing place that is a genuine local ‘supermarket’ in the best of all ways where customer service is a speciality. The first time I have been in a truly independent supermarket selling all the best of things local as well as essentials. Support for a local farming and food educational project, Future Roots, highlights the commitment to re-connecting people of all ages with out countryside. Dike’s is a great place and I only wish it was nearer to me!”
 
Managing Director Andy Dike said: “This all started because we were nominated by our customers, so we have them to thank for drawing the attention of the Countryside Alliance judges to what we are doing here in rural Dorset. 

“Back in 1914 our family bought a farm behind the shop and started supplying customers with fresh milk, pork and beef. That meant zero food miles. So it seems fitting that exactly 100 years on we are being recognised for our commitment to providing our customers with truly local, excellent quality food. 

“This is a high point in the history of Dike & Son and we are very excited about going to the final in London. We would like to take this opportunity thank each and every one of our local producers and suppliers who make it very much a team effort.”

The Countryside Alliance Awards are an annual celebration of rural life, produce and communities, acknowledging “the efforts of thousands of unsung heroes who routinely go above and beyond the call of duty for their communities”.

For more information about our suppliers, click here   

For more information about the awards, see the Countryside Alliance Awards website