THERE was no shortage of celebrations last night (September 13) at the first-ever Co-op Scottish Supplier Awards, with winners crowned across 11 categories.
Held in partnership with Scotmid, the new awards programme brought suppliers together for a gala ceremony at the Glasgow Marriott hosted by TV personality Jennifer Reoch.
AG Barr took the top prize on the night, fending off tough competition to be named Supplier of the Year. Other big winners included Angus Soft Fruits, which picked up Own Label Supplier of the year and Fresh Produce of the Year.
Hamilton-based Equi’s Ice Cream was the evening’s other double winner, picking up the Grocery Product of the Year prize for its Isle of Skye Sea Salt and Caramel Ice Cream, as well as the Local Supplier of the Year prize.
A panel of expert judges led by celebrity chef Nick Nairn selected the category winners. Commenting on the quality of entrants, Nairn said: “It makes me extremely proud to see the cream of the Scottish food industry in the room tonight – the sheer standard of produce created within our nation is to be celebrated and whilst the judging process was extremely tricky, it’s fantastic to shine a light on some of the country’s most talented and innovative producers.
“I’d like to extend my congratulations to all winners – our foodie future looks very bright indeed.”
John McNeill, who previously served as the Co-op’s regional operations director for Scotland and will now serve as chief operating officer for Nisa said: “We are thrilled to be able to host our first ever event during Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight – further proof of our commitment to providing our customers and members with the very best choice of high-quality Scottish produce.”
Full list of winners in the Co-op Scottish Supplier Awards in partnership with Scotmid:
Bakery of the Year – Stag Bakeries Ltd
Beers, Wines and Spirit Product of the Year – Rock Rose Gin by Dunnet Bay Distillers and Innis and Gunn’s Craft Brewed Lager
Best Agricultural Initiative – Rattlerow Scotland Ltd
Fresh Product of the Year – AVA Rosa Strawberries by Angus Soft Fruits
Grocery Product of the Year – Equi’s Isle of Skye Sea Salt and Caramel Ice Cream
Investor in Scottish Communities – Malcom Allan Ltd Family Butcher and Tennent’s Lager
Local Supplier of the Year – Equi’s Ice Cream
Most Sustainable Supplier – We Hae Meat Ltd
New Product of the Year – Protein 22 by Graham’s Family Dairy
Own-label supplier of the Year – Angus Soft Fruits
Supplier of the Year (Judges’ Choice) – AG Barr soft drinks
