Isle of Harris based Loomshed Hebridean Brewery has been named as a finalist for the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2019.
The annual awards which recognise the highest quality produce as well as the leading individuals, suppliers and companies, received a record 320 entries across all categories, a 20% increase from 2018, most notably in distilling which increased from 18 in 2018 to 41 this year.
Head Brewer Calum Bennett was named as a finalist in the Young Talent category.
Now in its 20th year, the Excellence Awards is restructured for 2019 and focusses on the standout products driving value and consumer choice in the market in line with the overarching Ambition 2030 strategy to double the value of the industry.
Winners from all 19 categories will be announced in front of 800 guests at the prestigious awards ceremony and dinner on Thursday 23 May 2019 at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh.
Rob MacKinnon, Director said:
“Calum combines a quite determination, a passion for brewing and high standards. It has been inspiring and rewarding to seem him tackle the challenge of opening a new brewery. We want our beer to be typically Hebridean and in Calum we have a typically Hebridean brewer – down to earth, humble, determined and resourceful”
James Withers, Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink, said:
“Every year the Excellence Awards attracts an incredibly diverse range of entrants, all of which are of a very high quality. This year we’ve had a record number of entries and the standard has never been higher.
“While tasting each of the products entered into the awards sounds like a dream, in reality, selecting the very best of the best has been extremely difficult for our expert judging panel.
“Now celebrating its 20th year, the Awards will yet again be the premier night in one of Scotland’s most valuable and successful industries. Congratulations and good luck to all the finalists.”
For the full line-up of finalists, please visit: http://excellenceawards.foodanddrink.scot/.
