DISCOVER THE WINNERS OF THE 2026 COMPETITION
The Best French Fine Food Retailer
As every year, the jury of the Best French Fine Food Retailer met together to recognise independent grocery stores who promote their regions through careful selection of products and genuine expertise.
Five winners were recognised for the quality of their product range, their local roots and their ability to promote regional producers and specialities. They will receive gold, silver and bronze medals, as well as the Rurality Award and the Jury’s Favourite Award, on Monday the 8th of June at Gourmet Selection, the leading trade fair for quality groceries.
Launched in 2019, the competition highlights store that are committed to their socially responsible fine food offering. The 80 entries were assessed against rigorous criteria: originality of concept, presentation of product range, quality of sourcing, local roots, customer service and day-to-day commitment.
Meet the winners of the Best Fine Food Reatiler in France 2026 competition:
Gold Medal: Le Comptoir Corrézien – Paris (Île-de-France)
Behind this small shop in the 15th arrondissement in Paris, lies a constant commitment: to offer products of impeccable freshness, selected directly from French producers.
The jury’s words:
"Above all, it is story worth telling. Since the passing of the founder, Chantal, her successors have carried on her legacy with care and pride. This timeless fine food shop stands out for its simplicity: neither the decoration nor the window display tries to overdo it. The spirit of the shop reflects a warm, cheerful energy. The advice offered here is natural and spontaneous, accompanied by impeccable standards regarding the provenance of the products, as evidenced by their own fresh foie gras. Fresh seasonal asparagus and mushrooms, amongst other things, are also among the shop’s signature items. Leading Parisian chefs and private customers alike remain loyal to Le Comptoir." - Michel Granseigne
Silver Medal: La Ferme – Carcassonne (Occitanie)
In the heart of the bastide town of Carcassonne, La Ferme has established itself for nearly 40 years as an essential destination for food lovers. Born from a family-run cheese shop founded in 1981 in Limoux, then expanded to Carcassonne from 1987 onwards, the delicatessen has continued to evolve and now offers a remarkably diverse range of products.
The jury’s words:
"A family institution in the heart of Carcassonne’s old town, La Ferme has championed a demanding vision of fine food for over 40 years – rooted in cheese and driven by a passion for taste. It stands out for its exceptionally rich selection of over 6,000 products, all rigorously selected, with a central focus on fresh and exceptional produce. Its team of enthusiasts builds an authentic bond of trust with customers, embodying a true vision of French fine food: respect for the product, expertise and dedicated service." - Fernando Medina Zenoff
Bronze Medal: L’F by Dominique Ferrero – Porticcio (Corsica)
In Porticcio, L’F by Dominique Ferrero is much more than a delicatessen: it is a true hub of community life, designed as an open house where people come as much to socialise as to shop. Housed in a former inn that had been abandoned for over 20 years, this unique venue was given a new lease of life in 2023, driven by the energy and vision of Dominique Ferrero.
The jury’s words:
"Following his first shop in Ajaccio, Dominique Ferrero set his sights on Porticcio to open his new venture. With rigorous product standards, assured traceability—particularly for Corsican products—as well as a strong focus on tastings and events, Dominique upholds the values of the fine food shop." - Alexis Roux de Bézieux
Jury’s favourite: Repas de Cave – Dives-sur-Mer (Normandy)
Founded in 2013, Repas de Cave draws its inspiration from a family tradition passed down by the founder’s great-grandmother from Béarn and Landes. When guests arrived unannounced around mealtime, she would simply state that: “It doesn’t matter, we’ll have a cellar meal”, before sharing her finest homemade preserves that she would grab from her cellar. A philosophy of spontaneous, generous and unpretentious hospitality, which has now become the soul of the shop.
The jury’s words:
" “It doesn’t matter, we’ll have a cellar feast” This single phrase, inherited from Aurélie’s great-grandmother, embodies the very soul of this Norman grocery shop, established in 2013. A philosophy of spontaneous, generous and sincere hospitality that immediately won over the jury. A true treasure trove, the store features over 2,500 carefully curated products, deliberately stepping away from the unfirm retail standards. But beyond the varied and ever-evolving range, it is the experience that leaves a lasting impression: expert advice, attentive listening, and the ability to forge a link between producers and consumers." - Aurélien Bertrand
Rural Fine Food Store Award: L’Empreinte – Corzé (Pays de la Loire)
In Corzé, L’Empreinte lives up to its name. Opened in 2023 by Clémence Charreau, this local grocery store was born out of a strong desire: to preserve the village’s last remaining shop and turn it into a vital hub for the local community.
The jury’s words:
"L’Empreinte in Corzé is a real gem for the village’s residents. We can only applaud Clémence’s approach, as she runs this local fine food shop by offering a wide range of services and, above all, by showcasing local produce to the max. I particularly like her commitment to local farmers and the way she showcases their produce. All at a fair price, with even anti-waste promotions. We’d all love to have this sort of shop, run by a smiling Clémence, close to home! Well done for all the energy." - Marion Sauveur