Business leaders that were successful at last year’s Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards came together today to welcome the launch of the awards. Representatives ranging from historic family businesses like Macsween and Ian Macleod Distillers, key export businesses like the Scottish Salmon Company and younger SMEs like Aberdeen-based chocolatier Cocoa Ooze and food and drink visitor centre Born in the Borders from Jedburgh came together to urge other businesses to enter the awards.
The Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards recognise those businesses and individuals in Scotland who are leading the way with innovation, enterprise and quality. Entries are encouraged from small, medium and large food and drink producers across 19 entered business and product categories. Increasingly recognised by both trade and consumers as recognition of the highest quality, the awards are now open for entries. Organised by Scotland Food & Drink in partnership with The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), the awards close for entries on Friday 11 March.
The Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2016 take place on 2 June at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC). With previous year’s tickets sold out after two weeks on sale, 700 people are expected to attend the awards. Attendees will be treated to a drinks reception and impressive dinner, showcasing the very best of Scotland’s produce. Tickets for the event are on sale from now.
The awards include nine product awards judged mainly by taste and a wide range of business categories, which include Environmental Sustainability, Scottish Sourcing and Investing in People in addition to an award recognising Young Talent in the industry.
Stephen Hutt, RHASS’ Chief Executive, added his support to the awards, saying:
“RHASS represents primary food producers and is proud to be a partner in these important awards. We would encourage anyone in Scotland producing fine food and drink to get involved. Competition will be tough but the reward will be invaluable as it puts your brand amongst the best of the best in this impressive and world leading industry.”
Categories for the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2016:
Soup, Preserves & Accompaniments, sponsored by Asda
Dairy, sponsored by Asda
Meat, sponsored by Asda
Confectionery & Snacking, sponsored by Asda
Non-Alcoholic Drink, sponsored by Asda
Alcoholic Drink, sponsored by Shepherd and Wedderburn
Fish & Seafood, sponsored by The Crown Estate
Bakery & Cereal Based, sponsored by Scottish Bakers
Foodservice Product of the Year, sponsored by Sodexo
Commitment to Health, sponsored by Rowett Institute
Brand Success of the Year, sponsored by Palletforce
Export Business of the Year, sponsored by Bank of Scotland
Innovation, sponsored by The Grocer
Investing in People, sponsored by Skills Development Scotland
Success Through Partnership, sponsored by SAOS
Environmental Sustainability, sponsored by Resource Efficient Scotland
Scottish Sourcing, sponsored by Taste Our Best, VisitScotland
Scottish Food & Drink Entrepreneur, sponsored by Johnston Carmichael
Young Talent, sponsored by SFDF – A Future in Food
Product of the Year (sponsored by RHASS) and Business of the Year (sponsored by Clydesdale Bank)are not entered categories. The winners are picked by the judging panel as champion of champions from category winners.
Food and drink businesses from across Scotland can enter online here. Entries for the awards close on Friday 11 March. Tickets for the awards ceremony and dinner are now on sale available from Scotland Food & Drink priced at £99 + VAT for Scotland Food & Drink members or £199 + VAT for non-members.