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Entries are now open for the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards 2026, marking 20 years of celebrating excellence in one of Scotland’s most internationally respected food and drink regions, and signalling a renewed, future-focused commitment to world-leading sustainable development at a time of transformational change in the Highlands.
For two decades, the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards have shone a spotlight on world-class whisky, seafood, venison, beef and lamb, cheeses and a vibrant community of artisan producers. In 2026, the Awards continue that legacy while also recognising the sector’s vital role in shaping a globally recognised, sustainable Highland economy – one that safeguards cultural heritage, supports rural communities and delivers environmental leadership alongside commercial success.
Hosting the awards in 2026 is international bestselling author, TV presenter and Scotland’s bestselling cookbook writer, Coinneach MacLeod, Hebridean Baker, who said: “I’m thrilled to be hosting the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards 2026 – a celebration of the amazing producers, makers and businesses who put such pride, care and creativity into our food and drink. It will be a real honour to help celebrate all their hard work.”
The Awards return this year under the stewardship of Highland Community Interest Company. Guiding the Awards is the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards Steering Group, comprising Willie Cameron, Cobbs Group, Gillian Osborne, Wester Ross Fisheries, Fraser Campbell, Cobbs Group, and Yvonne Crook, Good Highland Food.
The Steering Group brings together a wealth of experience and leadership from across the sector. All members are former Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Ambassadors or previous Award winners, reflecting their significant contribution to and recognition within the industry.
The Awards were last held in 2024, when Fraser Campbell of Cobbs Group was named Ambassador of the Year. The return of the Awards in 2026 signals renewed momentum and a commitment to celebrating the very best of Highlands and Islands food and drink.
Fraser Campbell, 2024 Ambassador of the Year and Steering Group member, said: “The Highlands and Islands are home to some of the most innovative and world class food and drink businesses anywhere. The Awards are more than a celebration. They are a platform to inspire, connect and champion a sector that is deeply rooted in the Highlands, shaped by its landscapes and increasingly recognised for its leadership in sustainability and quality.
“Winning or even being shortlisted for these Awards can be a game changer, shining a spotlight on the incredible quality and ambition across our region. I would strongly encourage businesses of all sizes to put themselves forward and enter this year’s Awards.”
As the Highlands and Islands navigate profound economic, environmental and social change, food and drink sits at the heart of a shared ambition: to build a resilient, low-carbon, community-led economy that champions provenance, people and place. The 2026 Awards launch at a moment when Highland Community Interest Company (Highland CIC), supported by a growing coalition of tourism, renewable energy, food and drink and land-based businesses, is driving forward a joined-up leadership approach to sustainable development across the region.
Yvonne Crook, Chair of Highland CIC and Awards steering group member, said: “Reaching 20 years of the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards is something we should all be incredibly proud of. These Awards have always been about recognising great food and drink, but they’ve also been about the people, places and communities behind it.
“At Highland CIC, we believe food and drink should sit right at the centre of the Highlands’ future. It reflects who we are, how we live and how we look after our land and seas. Taking on the stewardship of the Awards in this milestone year allows us to bring people together, strengthen collaboration and support a way of working that puts long-term value ahead of short-term gain.
“We’ve been genuinely delighted by how strongly the food and drink community has embraced the return of the Awards – from small producers to established businesses – and by the shared sense of pride and ambition across the region.
“That leadership approach wouldn’t be possible without the backing of a core group of renewable energy developers who support Highland CIC. Their investment goes beyond economics. It reflects a Highland way of doing business that cares about communities and the environment as much as commercial success.
“The Awards show what’s possible when we invest in each other, work across sectors and put place, people and provenance first.”
The Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards 2026 are proudly sponsored by Scotland Food and Drink, Macallan, Williamsons, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Salmon Scotland, The Cobbs Group, Baxter Story, Highland News and Media and Good Highland Food.
Entries are now open for entries and will close on Sunday, 15 March 2026. Finalists will be announced in April 2026, with the Awards ceremony and gala dinner taking place on Thursday, 7 May 2026 at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness.
