THERE was no shortage of reasons to celebrate 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 last month for a gala ceremony at the Glasgow Marriott hosted by TV personality Jennifer Reoch (pictured).
AG Barr took home 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 the Own Label Supplier of the year and Fresh Produce of the Year prizes. Hamilton-based Equi’s Ice Cream was the other double winner on the night, 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 (see p66).
The winners were chosen by a panel of expert judges led by celebrity chef Nick Nairn.
John McNeill, former Co-op regional operations director for Scotland, now 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.”
