Highlands and Islands food and drink awards 2007

Scrumptious salmon, tasty tablet and delicious drinks are being sought by the Highland and Islands Food and Drink awards which open for entries from 1 May.

These prestigious awards, in their third year, celebrate the diverse range of food and drink products grown and produced locally, as well as industry-related services. They also focus on the success of individual businesses and their important contribution to the local economy.

The awards are organised by the Highlands and Islands Food Forum, which was set up four years ago as a partnership between industry and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). Last year’s event was a great success, attracting entries from around one hundred different companies.

Dennis Overton, chairman of the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Forum said: ‘We’re seeing a real growth in interest and demand from customers for local food and drink, and these awards clearly contribute to the public’s awareness of what’s available from the Highlands and Islands. Last year showed an even greater interest from businesses in participating, both in the entries and attending the awards dinner, and we expect this year to be even more popular.’

The food and drink industry in the Highlands and Islands generates in excess of £1 billion per annum and supports over 24,000 full time jobs across the region. There is a wide range of diverse products including fish and shellfish, meat and dairy products, biscuits and confectionery and an equally diverse profile of businesses, from internationally renowned Baxters of Speyside to small innovative producers supplying niche markets.

There are nine different categories in the awards, covering New Business to Innovation and Food and the Environment. There are two new awards for 2007 which reflect the focus of the awards – the first is for the Best Use of Local Food and Drink and the other is Entry to a New Market (at home or abroad). These celebrate particular strengths of local businesses.

Any type of organisation, including schools or hospitals or other services, can enter the Best Use of Local Food category. The Excellence Award is presented to the overall winner, selected from all the entries. Full details of all nine categories are listed below.

Inverawe Country Park and Smokehouse won the Excellence Award in 2006 for their consistent commitment to providing quality products, both for visitors and consumers, and for continually developing the range that they offer. Inverawe was thrilled to accept the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Award for Excellence in 2006.

Lucy MacLean, Inverawe's marketing director said ‘The award was entirely unexpected and we were absolutely delighted to win. It was such a wonderful boost to everyone at Inverawe that we were recognised for our contribution and commitment to producing high quality foods in the area. We hope that this will to encourage others to do the same.’

The awards are funded by HIE and by several companies in the private sector, including the Inverness-based Williamson Food Service.

Gary Williamson, managing director commented: "Williamson Foodservice is delighted to again sponsor the 2007 Food and Drink Awards. Last year’s winners have seen the benefits of the added publicity and opportunities that have come their way as a result of being involved and I would urge any Highlands and Islands food and drinks business to enter this year and take advantage of the fantastic networking opportunities these Awards offer.“

Mark Georgeson of HIE, the main public supporter of the awards said: “We want to celebrate the importance of the food and drink industry to the economy of the area and to encourage more businesses to reflect on their achievements. The awards represent a growing confidence within the sector and we are looking forward to building on the success of last year’s event by generating even more publicity for local food and drink businesses.”

The closing date for entries is Monday July 2 and the awards will be announced at the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards dinner on September 14.

Entry forms and further details from Shona MacLennan, Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Forum co-ordinator; Tel: 01599 534999; email: shona@solas-biz.co.uk

Award categories

New product award – sponsored by Falls of Shin Visitor Centre
Recently launched food and drink products from the Highlands and Islands, which demonstrate both initial market success and ongoing potential. The product may be available locally, nationally or internationally.

New business award – sponsored by Aquascot Limited
Award for a new business, started since 1st July 2006 that has, through its success, made a significant contribution to the Highlands and Islands food and drink economy. It may be a producer of a new or innovative product, a retailer or foodservice outlet displaying excellence in the use of local food and drink products, or a service provider contributing significantly to the success of the sector.

Innovation award
Recognition of the business that has displayed outstanding innovation in product or service development. This award is offered to those who can demonstrate they have driven either their own business, or those of the Highlands and Islands food and drink sector forward by being truly creative.

Health award – sponsored by FINDS
This category recognises food and drink-based businesses, products or services designed to address food and drink related health concerns.

Food and environment award – sponsored by TIO (This is Organics) Ltd
Recognition of food and drink-based products; services of ways of doing business that protect or enhance the environment of the Highlands and Islands. This category recognises good environmental practice in the production and/or distribution of food and drink products.

Entry to a new market (at home or abroad) award – sponsored by J & D Cowper
New award category for 2007 - Developing new markets is a hugely important factor in the Highlands & Islands food and drink economy, whether it is domestic or overseas. The award recognises the food or drink producer demonstrating outstanding success in entering a new market since 1st July 2006.

Best use of local food or drink award – sponsored by John M Munro Ltd
New award category for 2007 - Award for the Highlands and Islands-based business or organisation which, through its use of Highlands and Islands produce has demonstrably enhanced the product it offers - and enhanced the profile of the food and drink industry in the Highlands and Islands since 1st July 2006.

Individual award
Nominations are invited for the individual who has made the biggest individual contribution to the food and drink sector.

Excellence award – sponsored by Williamson Food Service
Winner chosen from all entries to other categories.

Further information

For further information on the awards and details of how to enter contact: Shona MacLennan, Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Forum co-ordinator; Tel: 01599 534999; or email: shona@solas-biz.co.uk