FOR OVER two decades, the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards has celebrated the finest the industry has to offer. Last night (7 September) was no different, with the cream of the crop in attendance to toast this year’s finalists and winners.
Among the big winners on the night was Mossgiel Organic Farm, whose Mossgiel Organic milk scooped the top award – Scottish Product of the Year, with the brand being praised for its sustainability messaging by judges. The Wee Scottish Cider Company’s Seidear, an innovative and unique cider made in the style of a champagne won the brewing category.
In the new Free From and Healthier Choice categories, Nudie Snacks’ cauliflower crisps and Aye Pickled’s kimchi won, respectively.
The business categories also saw Mackies of Scotland triumph in the Sustainability award, and Angus Soft Fruits named Primary Producer of the Year.
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Hosted by TV personality and award-winning Maître d’hôtel and General Manager of the Michelin-starred restaurant Galvin at Windows, Fred Sirieix, the awards ceremony at The EICC was attended by 668 people from across the industry and the wider community.
Iain Baxter, Chief Executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “The Excellence Awards highlights the commitment and passion of the industry to preserve and adapt through some of the most difficult times. The calibre of entries this year demonstrates the resilience and the entrepreneurial spirit of our industry is driving innovation and truly excellent products.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and finalists.”
Ashley Connolly, Local Buying Manager for Scotland at Asda, headed up the judging panel for the tasted product categories. She added: “Asda is proud to return as headline sponsor of the Excellence Awards for the 12th year, seeing the best of the best when it comes to Scotland’s unique food and drink scene.
“The judging process for the tasted categories brings together an expert panel of buyers, experts, journalists and foodservice leaders. The standard of entry was as high as ever this year, so the winning products had to be exceptional. Congratulations to all of tonight’s winners.”
The annual awards which recognise the highest quality produce as well as the leading individuals, suppliers, and companies, received 223 entries across all categories.
The awards come in the wake of the announcement of the Scottish food and drink sector reaching a record high value, contributing £14.8bn to the Scottish economy.
The awards are organised by Scotland Food & Drink in partnership with The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), and headline sponsor Asda.
For the full line-up of finalists, please visithttps://excellenceawards.foodanddrink.scot/2023-shortlist
