Chef Fred Berkmiller won the inaugural Food Pioneer award 12 months ago and today he launched the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.
There are 21 categories which aim to showcase the skill, dedication and innovation of Scotland’s producers and they include brewing, distilling, own label and Primary Producer of the Year.
James Withers, chief executive of Scotland Food and Drink, said: “The awards allow us to celebrate some of our best and highlight to the nation and beyond the strength of Scotland’s leading industry.
“To grow our reputation even further at home and around the world we must continue to encourage new pioneers within the food and drink industry in this country.
“To further this objective, all awards entrants receive constructive feedback from our panel of expert judges. So, win or lose, our aim is to support the development of all the businesses that enter the awards.”
Scottish businesses which have previously been recognised include Mara Seaweed, Ian Macleod Distillers, Graham’s The Family Dairy and young SME’s such as Magnum Liqueur and Millers Larder.
The event is organised by Scotland Food & Drink and in partnership with The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) and the deadline for entries is Friday, 24 February. The headline sponsor is Asda.
Alan Laidlaw, Chief Executive of RHASS, said: “If last year’s winners are anything to go by, we are set for another year of impressive entries in 2017 and we would encourage anyone in Scotland producing fine food and drink to get involved.”
The award ceremony is at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on 18 May when over 800 people are expected to attend.
Businesses can enter online at www.foodanddrink.scot/events/excellence-awards.
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