Nearly 30 businesses around the north-east are celebrating after being named as finalists in the Grampian Food Forum Innovation Awards 2016.
A total of 64 food and drink products were submitted by 39 entrants for the latest honours in the annual series, with 12 businesses taking part for the first time.
The shortlist of 29 potential winners includes a wide variety of mainly food and drink producers, showcasing the strength and diversity of the region’s rich larder.
Now in their 26th year, the awards recognise excellence and innovation in food and drink in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
Shortlisted finalists this year include a range of established family firms like Mackie’s of Scotland and Duncan’s of Deeside, new micro businesses such as The Good Granola Company and Barra Bronzes and those with global export expertise like Associated Seafoods.
The competition’s 11 categories include best new retail product, best new foodservice product, Grampian food and drink entrepreneur and best young business.
Sarah Mackie, Scottish procurement director for foodservice firm Brakes led the judging panel, which also included Aldi buying director Michael Whiteford and food blogger Hilary Sturzaker.
Ms Mackie said: “We were all impressed by the range and quality of food and drink from the area.
“Meeting the suppliers, many of whom are real entrepreneurs, also leaves you in no doubt about the enthusiasm and commitment to their products.”
Organised by the Grampian Food Forum (GFF) public-private sector partnership, the contest reaches its climax at a dinner and awards ceremony at the Mercure Ardoe House Hotel and Spa at Blairs, near Aberdeen, on Thursday March 24. Tickets costing £70 can be booked via the GFF website.
ESS Support Services Worldwide is title sponsor for the competition.
Other supporters of the awards include Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council, Aston Scott and Inventive Step, AVC Media, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Johnston Carmichael, Keenan Recycling, Maclay, Murray and Spens, Mackie’s of Scotland, Mercure Ardoe House Hotel, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, Scotland Food and Drink, Scottish Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, Moray Council, the Press and Journal and Think Local.
The finalists are:
Best new retail product for businesses with up to 25 employees – Barra Bronzes, Castleton Farm Shop, Deeside Brewery, Duncan’s of Deeside, John Smith and Sons, Kincardine Castle, Summerhouse Drinks and The Good Granola Company
Best new retail product for businesses with more than 25 employees – Cocoa Ooze, Dean’s of Huntly, JG Ross, John Ross Jr (Aberdeen) and Mackie’s of Scotland.
Best new foodservice product for businesses with up to 25 employees – John Smith and Sons, Summerhouse Drinks (two different products) and Deeside Water Company.
Best new foodservice product for businesses with more than 25 employees – Associated Seafoods, Chalmers Bakers (three different products) and Cocoa Ooze.
Grampian food and drink entrepreneur 2016 – Peter Bruce of Entier, Angus Gordon Lennox of Gordon Castle, Grant Keenan of Keenan Recycling, Calum Richardson of The Bay Fish and Chips.
Investing in skills development – Chalmers Bakery, Davidsons specialist butcher, J & I Smith Bakers and Joseph Robertson Aberdeen.
Most successful product from the 2015 awards – Cambus O’May Cheese Company, Dean’s of Huntly, Nor-Sea Foods, Pulsetta Foods, six°north brewery and The Bay Fish and Chips.
Best young business – Angus and Oink, Barra Bronzes, Cairngorm Leaf and Bean, Gordon Castle, six°north brewery and The Good Granola Company.
A judges’ choice winner and the latest recipient of the coveted Denis Emslie above and beyond award – named after a former sales director at Mackie’s of Scotland – will also be announced on the night.