Last night 13 food and drink businesses from across the north-east took home accolades highlighting the best of the sector’s offering.
Celebrating the abundant food and drink scene in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray, the North East Scotland Food and Drink Awards championed those who stood out from the crowd in areas such as sustainability, product and process innovation.
Around 30 different firms were shortlisted across 13 categories from distillers to farmers to seafood wholesalers and hospitality businesses.
The 15 judges included culinary directors, gin specialists, customer service and sales managers and marketing specialists.
Around 250 guests attended the black tie event at The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen and were treated to a three course menu served up by the hotel’s kitchen and front of house teams.
The awards are organised by Opportunity North East in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council and have been running for more than 30 years.
The food, drink and agriculture sector is a significant part of the region’s economy, directly employing more than 22,000 people and the region accounts for more than 20% of Scotland’s food and drink output.
Those recognised ranged from ambitious start-ups to established global brands. Broadcaster and musician, Dougie Vipond hosted the event.
The winners
Best New Product (emerging)
Raw Culture Ltd – Hop infused kombucha The Original/Mangosaurus/Hopical Punch
Best New Product (small business)
Summerhouse Drinks Ltd – Pumpkin soda
Best New Product (large business)
Donald Russell – Scottish Stuffing with whisky and white pudding
Best Brewed Product
Six°North – Framboise raspberry beer
Best Distilled Product
Outlaw Rum Company Ltd – Outlaw Rum Flagship Blend/Outlaw Rum Islay Cask 5/ Outlaw Rum Double Cask
Best Food and Drink Tourism Experience
Forest Farm Dairy Ltd – Gelateria and gelato garden
Best Young Business
Ellon Spirits
Business Growth Award
Mackintosh of Glendaveny Limited
Export Business of the Year
Thistle Seafoods Limited
E-Commerce Success
Donald Russell
Sustainability Award
Burnobennie Distillery
Operational Excellence
Entier Limited
Recognition for Young People Skills Development
Ringlink
The guests
Conversation