A DELI owner is celebrating after his business was named the best in Wales.

The Olive Tree Deli in Mold's High Street scooped the Regional Award for Wales for the best Delicatessen in the Farm Shop and Deli Trade Show.

In addition, the shop was also shortlisted in the best 10 Delis in the whole of the UK for 2019 at the recent awards event in Birmingham.

Dave Hill, Mold town manager, said: “What an honour for the Olive Tree Deli and especially the owner, Richard Howells and his team.

"They have certainly made a huge contribution to Mold’s food offer after establishing the shop less than three years ago.

"They are renowned for the quality and knowledge of their products and first class customer service."

Richard Howells said: “We were thrilled just to be nominated as one of 10 Delicatessens across the whole of the UK for the national award, but to be singled out as winner for Wales amidst all the cheese mongers, butchers, fishmongers, farm shops and delicatessens who entered the Farm Shop awards is fantastic.

"It is validation that we are on the right track with our business.

"I would like to say a big thank you to our customers and my team as you made this award possible for The Olive Tree.”

The judging process was undertaken by a team of more than 20 leading experts who judged the entries online, factoring in nearly 5500 consumer votes, before coming together last November to deliberate and shortlist the contenders.

During January and February secret visits took place across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales before the winners were decided from the huge number of participating independent retailers from across the UK.

The judges went onto to say that the Olive Tree Deli "focuses on local produce, encourages sampling by customers before purchasing, aims to remain affordable but high quality."

Judges also said it was great to see the shop's "community spirit and helping other local businesses."

Councillor Karen Hodgkinson, mayor of Mold went, added: “We are very proud of the range of our independent shops and restaurants in Mold and The Olive Tree Deli epitomises the very best of what is on offer.

"The town council wishes to formally acknowledge The Olive Tree’s success and hope that it attracts even more recognition in the future.”

The Farm Shop and Deli Awards are now in their sixth year, providing nationwide recognition of the enormous growth and improvement in the UK’s farm shops, delis, grocers, butchers and bakeries in providing the nation with quality food opportunities.