The best Scotland has to offer in food and drink
LEADING lights of the Scottish food and drink sector will come together on 7 September to celebrate the creativity, collaboration and achievements of the industry.
That’s when the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2023, supported by headline sponsor Asda, will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
And Scotland Food & Drink has now revealed that acclaimed TV chef Fred Sirieix – known for Channel 4’s First Dates as well as ITV’s Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip – is set to host the awards this September.
Sirieix said: “I’m thrilled to be hosting Scotland Food & Drink’s Excellence Awards in Edinburgh later this year.
“Scottish food and drink is loved the world over, and for good reason! It will be wonderful to celebrate the achievements of the Awards’ finalists and winners on the night.
“See you all there!”
Entries are already open and will now close at the updated date of Monday 8 May at 5pm, with the awards championing the very best products, businesses and people from across the sector – from independent butchers and craft distillers to innovative confectioners and sustainable dairy producers.
There are 21 product and business categories, including two new ones, allowing the awards to showcase the range of produce available from the Scottish larder.
The full list of awards up for grabs this year includes:
- Artisan Product of the Year
- Bakery Product of the Year
- Beer & Cider Product of the Year
- Confectionery Product of the Year
- Soft Drink Product of the Year
- Dairy Product of the Year
- Distilling Product of the Year- white spirits
- Distilling Product of the Year- dark spirits
- Fish & Seafood Product of the Year
- Meat Product of the Year
- Free From Award
- Healthier Choice Product of the Year
- Snacks & Accompaniments Product of the Year
- Scotch Brand Product of the Year
- Best for Scottish (Independent)
- Best for Scottish (Multiple)
- Employer of the Year
- Regional Food and Drink Award
- Sustainability Award
- Young Talent
- Primary Producer
Scotland Food & Drink chief exec Iain Baxter said: “We are so proud of the quality of the food and drink produced in Scotland and it is important for us to have the chance to celebrate the successes of the industry and the people that make it so dynamic.”
Ashley Connolly, local buying manager for Scotland at Asda, added: “It’s fantastic to see the level of commitment shown by Scottish producers and it never ceases to amaze me how much experience, innovation and quality comes through each year.”
