19 January 2018
Last Call for Entries to the North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards
Aberdeenshire Council and Opportunity North East (ONE) make a last call for entries from local businesses for the prestigious North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards 2018.
The deadline for entries is Monday 29th January and they are open to all food and drink producers in the Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray areas. Submissions can be made online and it is free to enter.
Delivered in partnership by private sector economic development body, ONE and Aberdeenshire Council, the awards aim to highlight and celebrate innovation and success in the industry. They form part of a wider programme of activities that support growth in the food, drink and agriculture sector delivered by ONE and its partners in recognition of the region’s well-established reputation and excellent prospects for further growth across food, drink, agriculture and seafood based on its wide range of primary produce, new and established businesses, big name brands and international connections.
There are 13 categories available for entry, commending those in every part of the sector. Categories include; Best Young Business, Best Food Tourism Experience, Best New Retail Product, and the Denis Emslie Above & Beyond Award. This year, the awards have introduced Best New Brewed or Distilled Product, which aims to highlight drinks developed specifically for the retail and/or foodservice sectors.
John Sorrie, Westfield Farms, Winner of Best New Retail Product at the 2017 Awards said:
‘After all the hard work and skill involved in creating and developing a new product and bringing it to market, entering the 2018 awards will give any producer the good feeling that their efforts are appreciated. If you are thinking about entering, don’t delay, just do it! Whether you win or lose you’ll know that your new product has been showcased to a much wider audience and there are always new leads and opportunities ahead.’
The awards are a fantastic opportunity for local producers to promote and showcase their produce, product and business to the nation. Past winners have reported increased sales, greater brand recognition and business growth following a win at the awards.
Previous winners of these prestigious awards include Gordon Castle Walled Garden, Murdoch Allan Bakers, Fierce Beer and Summerhouse Drinks.
Winners will be announced at a glittering awards dinner and ceremony, which will take place on Thursday 22nd March 2018 at the Ardoe House Hotel.
The Awards have received sponsorship from a range of businesses from the North East and across Scotland, including ESS Support Services Worldwide, CMS, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Johnston Carmichael, Mackie’s of Scotland, Moray Council, Scotland Food & Drink, Skills Development Scotland and Styropak.
To register and enter the awards, please visit: http://www.nesfoodanddrinkawards.co.uk/innovation-awards/register/