THE boss of a popular food store has officially confirmed his family business will close at the end of this month.

Aaron Linch, director of The Food Company, in Marks Tey, said the store will close its doors for the last time on July 29.

He said: “The turnover just wasn’t there - we have got huge competition.

“We have got the biggest Sainsbury’s in the country next to us.

“Convenience shopping has got even easier and we are fall- ing short of the hurdle.”

In addition to the butchery, fishmonger, greengrocery, chefs counter, delicatessen, chocolate, wine, and pantry departments, the store, which opened in 2000, has a range of homeware.

The 50 award-winning staff went through a period of consultation to discuss alternatives, but ultimately the shop owners decided it was too tough a market to compete in.

Mr Linch said: “We sold high quality products, but we could never get the point across that our butcher was a cheap as places like Waitrose.

“Emotion is what kept the shop running for a long time, and having a personal interest.

“It wasn’t an easy decision.”

He said one of his favourite memories was Christmas, and said it was something customers would miss.

He said: “There was a nice buzz around the store and everyone made an effort, it will be a side of it that is missed.”

Some staff have already found employment elsewhere, and the shop is currently having a clearance sale.

The store won awards for Retailer of the Year 2011 and The Great Taste Shop of the Year 2013.