Industry figures gather in Edinburgh to celebrate the best in Scottish produce
CELEBRATING Scottish produce was the name of the game at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre in June, when over 700 guests gathered for the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.
A total of 26 winners were revealed at the gala ceremony hosted by TV chef Simon Rimmer, with gongs distributed across categories ranging from Healthy Choice and Environmental Sustainability to Innovation and Brewing.
Top performers on the night included South Lanarkshire based Border Biscuits, which picked up the Business of the Year and Brand Success of the Year prizes; discounter Aldi, which topped the Bakery category with its Specially Selected Orkney Caramel Shortbread, and picked up the Own Label Product of the Year award for its lemon Specially Selected Shortbread Rounds; and Isle of Harris Distillers, whose Isle of Harris Gin was named product of the year.
James Withers, chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink congratulated all winners and finalists, adding that this year’s awards received a record number of entries.
“Scotland is home to some of the most innovative producers and these awards give us the chance to celebrate just a few of them,” said Withers.
“We have a fantastic mix of established world-class businesses and a new generation of entrepreneurs coming through.
“Scottish food and drink is now a national success story. Our unique partnership of industry bodies and Scottish Government has driven that. However, it is the talent inside individual businesses that make our industry tick and who are putting Scotland on the culinary map.”
