An array of Scotland’s finest food and drink producers were lauded at a major ceremony in Glasgow last night.
More than 20 prizes were handed out to a wide range of products made across the country at the 2024 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.
Hosted by industry body Scotland Food & Drink, the event was hosted by TV chef Simon Rimmer, star of Channel 4's Sunday Brunch, who announced the winners to an audience of around 500 guests at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel.
WeeCook, the popular Carnoustie restaurant and piemaker, won two awards on the night, taking home the prizes for Scottish Product of the Year and Fish & Seafood Product of the Year. Judges praised the brand’s award-winning pies and dedication to utilising seafood sourced from local waters, such as Arbroath smokies, Shetland mussels, and North Sea haddock.
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Dundee-based Highland Game Loin won the Meat Product of the Year for its premium ‘hill to plate’ venison and for developing the supply chain to restaurants and retailers alike.
Edinburgh eatery Bonnie & Wild was named the Best for Scottish (Independent Business) award while Stirling’s Old Leckie Farm was named Primary Producer of the Year.
Dundee’s 71 Brewing scooped the Beer & Cider Product of the Year Award for its Haze Halo 5.0% Hazy IPA, while Aldi was named both Best For Scottish (Multiple) and Confectionery Product of the Year for its Specially Selected Scottish Sicilian Lemon Shortbread Rounds.
Iain Baxter, chief executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said: "The Excellence Awards celebrate Scotland’s food and drink producers, whose drive and dedication take the industry from strength to strength each year. The calibre of this year’s entries is a testament to the innovation and skill that are ubiquitous within our sector, setting new benchmarks for quality and creativity.
"Congratulations to all the winners and finalists – their achievements are a credit to Scotland’s world-renowned food and drink community."
Ashley Connolly, local buying manager for Scotland at headline sponsor Asda, who headed the judging panel for the tasted product categories and echoed the sentiment, said: "We’re thrilled to mark 13 years of Asda’s headline sponsorship of the Excellence Awards. Every year it feels as though we see Scotland’s food and drink producers reaching new heights.
“This year’s judging was one of the toughest yet, with so many exceptional products on offer – a true reflection of the outstanding quality across the industry. Congratulations once more to all the winners, who really stood out in an incredibly competitive field."
Full list of winners:
Full list of winners: Artisan Product of the Year – 8 Doors Distillery Bakery
Product of the Year – The Little Bakery Beer & Cider
Product of the Year – 71 Brewing
Best for Scottish (Independent Business) – Bonnie & Wild
Best for Scottish (Multiple Operator) – Aldi Confectionery
Product of the Year – Aldi
Dairy Product of the Year – The Coo Shed Distilling
Product of the Year (Dark Spirits) – Young Spirits Distilling
Product of the Year (White Spirits) – The Highland Liquor Company
Employer of the Year – Lazy Day Foods Fish & Seafood
Product of the Year – WeeCOOK
Product of the Year – WeeCOOK Healthier Choice of the Year – SHORE The Scottish Seawood Co.
Meat Product of the Year – Highland Game Loin Primary
Producer of the Year – Old Leckie Farm
Regional Food and Drink Award – Ballintaggart
Scotch Brand Product of the Year – Dunbia Highland Meats
Snacks & Accompaniments Product of the Year – SHORE The Scottish Seaweed Co.
Soft Drinks Product of the Year – Cruice
Sustainability Award – Arbikie Distillery
Young Talent Award – Simon Howie Awards
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