AYT Foods Ltd, Fife’s first African-Caribbean grocery store, has been honoured with the African Grocery Store of the Year 2025 title at the Prestige Awards, a recognition that celebrates businesses offering exceptional service and impact within their communities.
Founded by Temitope Ajayi-Salami, AYT Foods has become a vibrant hub for African and Caribbean culture, food, and community connection in Scotland. Since opening its doors in 2023, the company has rapidly grown into a trusted name known for its authenticity, quality, and commitment to cultural inclusivity.
“This award is so special to us because it celebrates exactly what we stand for — authenticity, culture, and excellence,” said Temitope Ajayi-Salami, Founder and Director of AYT Foods. “From the beginning, our mission has been to make Afro-Caribbean food accessible while creating a space where people feel seen and connected. To see that vision recognised on a national level is truly humbling.”
The Prestige Awards highlight outstanding small and medium-sized businesses across the UK that consistently demonstrate excellence, innovation, and community impact. AYT Foods was commended for its customer experience, strong community engagement, and dedication to promoting cultural diversity through food.
In just over a year, AYT Foods has achieved remarkable milestones — from winning the UK StartUp Awards National Consumer Products Start-Up of the Year 2025 to being listed among the 100 Most Inspiring Small Businesses in the UK by SmallBiz100. Beyond retail, AYT Foods also operates a community food bank and runs social impact programmes under its non-profit arm, TMAS Community CIC.
“We see every milestone as a reminder to keep serving our community with excellence,” Ajayi-Salami added. “The Prestige Award reinforces our belief that cultural food retail is more than a business — it’s a bridge that connects people, heritage, and identity.”
About the Prestige Awards
The Prestige Awards recognize small and independent businesses that have proven to be the best in their market over the past 12 months. Winners are chosen based on service excellence, product quality, innovation, ethical practices, and community value.
About AYT Foods Ltd
AYT Foods Ltd is Fife’s first African-Caribbean grocery store, based in Dunfermline, Fife. Founded in 2023 by Temitope Ajayi-Salami, AYT Foods brings authentic Afro-Caribbean groceries, fresh produce, and specialty products closer to home for families across Scotland. The company operates with the belief that “every meal is a story within” — celebrating culture, connection, and community through food.
Website: www.aytfoods.com
Email: info@aytfoods.com
Social Media: @aytfoods (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok)
