Food and drink 'Oscar' winners announced

Food and drink businesses across Scotland are celebrating after their success at the food and drink 'Oscars'.

Twenty-five winners were announced at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2017. Alastair Dobson from Taste of Arran won the Outstanding Contribution award, Business of the Year went to Bruce Farms and the Product of the Year prize went to Whisky Nibs from Chocolate Tree.

The annual awards are organised by Scotland Food & Drink and run in partnership with The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), with Asda as headline sponsor.

James Withers, CEO Scotland Food & Drink, said:

"Congratulations to all winners. With the new food and drink strategy, ‘Ambition 2030’ we are aiming to double the industry’s worth to the value of £30 billion by 2030, so it was fantastic to see new start-ups as well as established businesses come out on top. The industry is constantly growing, but there is always room for young pioneers, innovative products and enterprising businesses, and it’s this that will help us achieve Ambition 2030.

"Scotland is home to some of the most innovative producers and these awards give us the chance to celebrate this. Thanks to all those who entered this year, and I hope to see you back there next year."

The 25 category winners spanned the whole of the sector, with winners including; Liam Pennycook of Strathearn Distillery for ‘Young Talent’, l’escargot restaurants owned by Chef Fred Berkmiller for ‘Scottish Sourcing’, Paterson Arran Ltd for ‘Environmental Sustainability’, Peelham Farm Produce for ‘Meat’, Mara Seaweed for ‘Healthy Choice’ and Fusion Whisky Ltd for ‘Success Through Partnership’. 

Keith Brooke, Chairman of RHASS said: 

"Championing the best comes second nature to The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) which is why we are proud to be a supporter of these awards. Congratulations to the winners – it is a huge achievement and one to relish as getting to this stage is no doubt the result of significant hard work and skill particularly when you see the standard of the companies shortlisted this year."

For the full winners list visit www.foodanddrink.scot.