Cairngorm Brewery into final for Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards thanks to its CAMRA award-winning Black Isle Stout; other awards will be contested by the Inverness Botanic Gardens, and the Highland Liquor Co in Ullapool
Highland food and drink producers are among the finest in the country - and that’s official after several were named among the finalists in this year’s Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.
Numerous Highland producers were named among the 85 finalists from across Scotland who will be contesting the almost two dozen categories when the awards are announced later this year.
Among them is the Cairngorm Brewery in Aviemore, which is up for the Beer & Cider Product of the Year for its multi-award winning Black Gold stout.
Also vying for prizes are the Inverness Botanic Gardens, which is one of five finalists who will contest the Sustainability Award, and Ullapool’s Highland Liquor Co (which saw its Seven Crofts Gin earmarked as a finalist for Distilling Product of the Year - White Spirits) are also among the Highland hopefuls to make the final shortlists.
And other businesses with a major Highlands and Islands presence at sites across the region - such as Bakkafrost Scotland - have also been named among those who will contest the various categories. In the case of Bakkafrost Scotland, whose sites include the Applecross Hatchery in Wester Ross, it will be aiming to see of the challenge of two other hopefuls in the race for the Farm to Fork Producer of the Year award.
Iain Baxter, chief executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “Year after year, The Excellence Awards attract an incredibly diverse range of entries of seriously impressive quality.
“Sampling the incredible range of entries might sound like a dream job but narrowing it down to the very best has been no easy task for our expert panel. This year, the judges were struck by the outstanding quality, creativity, and innovation on display.
“Despite the challenges the sector has faced in recent years, it’s inspiring to see Scotland’s food and drink businesses continuing to push boundaries in not just what they produce, but in how they operate.
“Almost a quarter of a century from the first Awards, this year promises to be a standout occasion for one of the country’s most lucrative and successful industries. Congratulations to everyone who’s made the shortlist, and best of luck on the night.”
Running for 24 years, the annual awards recognise the highest quality of produce, as well as leading suppliers, individuals, and companies. This year, winners will be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on September 4.
Every product entered has been tasted and judged by a panel of experts from retail, foodservice, and hospitality.
To secure tickets for The Excellence Awards, visit https://foodanddrink.scot/events-and-membership/the-excellence-awards/.
