Another accolade for Dike & Son

12/09/08

STALBRIDGE independent superstore Dike & Son has picked up yet another very special award for its family-run business after the Blackmore Vale Media Taste of Dorset Awards 2008 named them Best Independent Food Shop.

One of the judges, Giles Henschel of Dorset deli Olives Et Al, said: “We chose Dike’s for the breadth and depth of local suppliers that it has – more than 50 – as well as its clear vision for the future. It was thoroughly well deserved.”

Owner Andy Dike and store manager Adam Vincent collected the award, a beautiful plate hand-painted by Lyn O’ Neill of China Beasts, at a gala dinner at Dorset County Showground last week.

Andy said: “I am absolutely delighted to win this award. It is recognition from our own customers who nominated us – and that makes it extra special. These awards are just what Dorset needs to put us on the map, as we have an abundance of good local suppliers. My father William, who built up the business over many years, would have been so proud.”

It is the second time this year that Dike & Son has been honoured. In May the shop scooped Symbol Group Member award at the Nisa-Today’s 2008 National Exhibition for independent retailers and wholesalers.

The shop has been run by the Dike family in Stalbridge since 1851. When the store moved up the road to new premises last November, Dike & Son became one of the biggest independently-owned supermarkets in the country.

With its firm commitment to providing locally sourced fresh food and support for local producers, the store’s reputation has grown steadily and it has a huge and fiercely loyal customer base.

Several of the store’s suppliers also featured in the finals of the Taste of Dorset Awards, including Gold Hill Organics, Olives Et Al, Hall & Woodhouse and Honeybuns, while Emily Davies of the Blue Soup Company was given the Harmsworth Award for outstanding contribution to Food in Dorset.

Stalbridge scored a hat trick in the Taste of Dorset Awards, as Roger Else jointly won Best Butcher or Meat Producer and Martyn Else's Seafoods of Stalbridge picked up Best Local Fish Business.

Picture shows: Adam Vincent (centre left) and Andrew Dike (centre Right) being presented with their award by Olives Et Al's Simon Hurley (left) and Giles Henschel (right). Picture by Sue Deegan.

For more information, contact store manager Adam Vincent on 01963 362204.