The North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards have just launched to celebrate excellence and innovation in the region’s significant food and drink sector.
The new awards replace and build on the success of the Grampian Food Forum Innovation Awards, which have been celebrating the region’s food and drink pedigree for more than 25 years. Past winners include The Bay Fish & Chips, six °north brewery, Summerhouse Drinks and Barra Bronzes.
Delivered in partnership by Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeenshire Council, the awards are free to enter, and are open to all food and drink producers based in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
Eleven categories are available for entry, including the Best Young Business Award, Food & Drink Entrepreneur Award and Best New Retail Product.
Peter Cook, director of food, drink and agriculture at ONE, said, “North East Scotland has a well-established and strong base for growth in food, drink, agriculture and seafood, with its wide range of primary produce, new businesses, big name brands and international connections. ONE recognises the potential of this sector, with scope for development in internationalisation, provenance, nutritional products and quality brands and is committed to investing its expertise in the sector.
“With a strong focus on innovation, these awards will ensure industry pioneers get the recognition they deserve, and we hope they will support business growth and encourage the creation of many more successful food and drink businesses to come.”
David Aitchison, chair of Infrastructure Services Committee, Aberdeenshire Council, said, “The region already contributes a great amount to Scotland’s food and drink sector but with continued growth forecast, it is estimated to achieve sales of £2.5 billion by 2020. The North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards will contribute to achieving that aim, by encouraging business development and providing a platform for businesses to show the nation, and prospective customers, what they do best.”
Stuart Common, commercial director at Mackie’s of Scotland and ONE Food, Drink and Agriculture Board member said, “This event is a great opportunity for local food and drink businesses to promote themselves and showcase the fantastic quality of their produce. As previous winners ourselves, it really motivated us to continue developing the Mackie’s brand.
'I’m delighted to see so many new businesses like Barra Bronzes not only achieving success on their own but having it recognised through these awards, and I hope it will encourage many more to enter this year.”
The closing date for entries is Monday 30 January 2017. Winners will be announced at an awards dinner, which will take place on Thursday 30 March 2017 at the Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel and Spa.
The Awards have received sponsorship from a range of businesses from the North East and across Scotland, including ESS Support Services Worldwide, Aberdeen City Council, Aston Scott, Highlands and Island Enterprise, Johnston Carmichael, Mackie’s of Scotland, Maclay, Murray and Spens LLP, Scotland Food & Drink, Skills Development Scotland, Strachans Ltd and The Moray Council.