The winners of the 2026 North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards have been revealed, celebrating excellence, innovation and commercial success across one of Scotland’s most vital food and drink regions.
Delivered by Opportunity North East (ONE) in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, and with Marks & Spencer as headline retail partner, the awards recognise outstanding achievements from primary producers through to manufacturers and brand-builders.
This year’s winners will take centre stage at the Royal Highland Show later this month, exhibiting as part of Scotland’s Larder – the national food and drink showcase – as Aberdeenshire takes its place as spotlight region in the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) Presidential Initiative 2025/26.
2026 Award Winners
Among this year’s standout businesses, Vanilla Labs secured Best Food Product (Small Business) for its Vanilla Pods, praised for their quality, potency and strong provenance story. The company also made history as the first tenant at ONE SeedPod.
Joseph Robertson claimed Best Food Product (Large Business) for its Haddock Kiev, recognised for exceptional taste, consistency and a well-executed route to retail.
In the drinks categories, Brew Toon won Best Drink Product (Established Business) for its Tanfield Export, a beer noted for its approachable style and strong regional heritage. Meanwhile, Balmaud Distillery took Best Drink Product (Young Business) for Balmaud Gin, impressing judges with its clean profile, compelling story and distinctive packaging.
Innovation awards were jointly presented to Vanilla Labs and The Bread Guys Bakery, the latter recognised not only for its clean ingredient approach but also for its social impact through apprenticeship programmes.
Balmaud Distillery also shared the Innovation in Agriculture award with A Melvin Henderson, highlighting diversification and the effective use of automation across potato operations.
All winners will showcase their products to a national audience at the Royal Highland Show, with trophies presented by RHASS President Pat Machray OBE on Thursday 18 June at 10am at the ONE SeedPod stand. Exhibitors will remain present throughout the event, offering visitors the chance to meet producers and sample award-winning products.
Industry Leaders Applaud Sector Strength
Stanley Morrice MBE, Vice Chair of Opportunity North East and Chair of its Food, Drink & Agriculture Board, said the calibre of entries reflected the sector’s continued momentum.
“The number and quality of entries made for an incredibly competitive awards process and underlined the strength, ambition and innovation right across the sector,” he said. “From farming and fishing to global export, there is an enormous amount to celebrate.”
The sector currently employs around 22,000 people, generates £2.4 billion annually and accounts for 20% of Scotland’s total food and drink output.
Jennifer Craw MBE, Chief Executive of ONE, added that the awards highlight the people and businesses driving the region forward.
“The Royal Highland Show provides a fantastic platform to showcase the quality and innovation coming out of the north east to a national audience,” she said.
You Might Also Like:
Final call for North East tourism businesses as Thistle Awards extend deadline
East Kilbride Coca-Cola bottler announced as soft drinks partner for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
Hebridean Baker: Nordic Islands earns Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards nomination
Over £2.3 Million owed to 59 Aberdeen and North East firms after BrewDog collapse
Pat Machray OBE noted the significance of presenting the awards on such a prominent stage, describing it as an opportunity to recognise the producers behind “exceptional products that make the region so well regarded”.
Councillor Judy Whyte, Provost of Aberdeenshire, praised the winners as “true ambassadors” for the region, reaffirming the council’s commitment to supporting a sector that continues to position north-east Scotland as a leader within the national food and drink industry.
