Rack wins Food Trader of the Year at MFDF Awards 2025
Sale has come away with a win from the Manchester Food and Drink Festival (MFDF) Awards 2025, with sandwich specialists Rack named Food Trader of the Year at the ceremony at New Century last night (26 January).
Rack, who have locations in Sale, Stockport and inside Manchester Arndale, has built a loyal following for big flavours and stacked fillings. Their Sale spot sits above School Road, bringing coffee, breakfast, brunch and (obviously) sandwiches to the town centre.
While Rack took home the big win, a few other Sale favourites were so close this year.
Pray Tell was shortlisted for Bar of the Year, landing on a list packed with some of the region’s strongest names and over in Sale Moor, Ceresis was shortlisted for Takeaway of the Year. Sadly neither took an award home this time, but the acknowledgement is something for the small businesses to be proud of.
For the fourth year running, Sale was once again in the mix for Foodie Neighbourhood of the Year — but Stockport took the title in 2025. It’s a category that always stings slightly, because Sale’s food and drink scene has depth now; not just a couple of stand-outs, but a growing list of places people will travel for. Still, Stockport’s win is hard to argue with: it’s had a huge few years and the MFDF result reflects that.
Speaking after the winners were announced, Alexa Stratton-Powell, director at the MFDF Awards, said: “We’re incredibly proud to announce this year’s winners, who together represent the excellence, creativity and resilience of Greater Manchester’s hospitality sector. At a time when the industry continues to face tough headwinds, it’s more important than ever to recognise and celebrate the people and venues doing exceptional work every day.”
If you’re looking for the headline: Rack just put Sale on the winners’ list – and if you’re looking for what to do next: go and show love to the places that made the shortlist too. Awards night is one thing. Keeping great independents busy for the rest of the year is what really matters.
