HAVING been a finalist in last year’s Tourism And Hospitality Business Of The Year category, this time Karl and Mandy Avison are gunning for the Family Business Of The Year.

The couple, who run the Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café on the A170 Thornton Road at Pickering, are also aiming to win the Small Business Of The Year title.

The venture evolved from a green field “pick your own” site to an attractive eco-friendly building designed by Karl – a place where customers can relax in the café or herb garden, sampling home- baked and other home-grown products and surrounded by wonderful views.

A lot of people have twigged to the fresh food ethos, especially as a result of a massive spurt in visits from guests at nearby caravan sites, self-catering accommodation and Flamingo Land, which has nearly 1.5 million visitors a year.

The Avisons’ business nets a hefty share of Ryedale’s 364,000 staying visitors per year and 3.4 million day trippers by opening seven days a week and offering its own butchery.

The efforts of their 20 staff have been recognised over and again, having won the Best Use of Regional Produce in a Café/Tearoom in the Deliciously Yorkshire Awards two years running as well as being recognised in the National FARMA Awards 2010.

Mandy said: “Ultimately, we are inspired by a love of farming and growing, overseeing the process from field to fork with the knowledge that we are producing good, healthy, tasty food with straight-from-the-ground freshness, minimal packaging and low food miles.

“With an ever-increasing demand for quality food with traceability assured, we are confident of a sustainable and profitable business.”