The awards ceremony, hosted by chef and TV personality Simon Rimmer, took place last night (7 June) with over 740 guests in attendance at the ceremony at Edinburgh’s International Conference Centre.

Special recognition was awarded for Product of the Year which was won by Harris Distillers for its Isle of Harris Gin. The company was also successful in the Distilling category. Loch Fyne Oysters won the Fish and Seafood award for its Bradan Orach; Scottish Salmon Company took top prize in the Foodservice Product of the Year category for its Native Hebridean Farmed Salmon; and The Whitehouse Restaurant in Lochaline won the Scottish Sourcing category.

A further nine companies were shortlisted at the awards which also highlighted business excellence, innovation and best practice across the Scottish food and drink industry.

HIE’s head of food and drink, Elaine Jamieson, said: “Our sincere congratulations to all the winners and those who were shortlisted from the Highlands and Islands for their products which were recognised as the best in Scotland. We would like to thank all who entered and we hope that the accolades will help them develop their business and continue to grow in markets at home and around the world. 

“To shine beyond the competition and be a category winner really is something businesses should be extremely proud of, and an accolade which we hope can contribute to the future sustainable growth of the industry.”

James Withers, CEO Scotland Food & Drink, said: "Congratulations to all winners and finalists who have been selected from a record number of entries by our panel of more than 45 judges. Scotland is home to some of the most innovative producers and these awards give us the chance to celebrate just a few of them. We have a fantastic mix of established world-class businesses and a new generation of entrepreneurs coming through.

“Scottish food and drink is now a national success story. Our unique partnership of industry bodies and Scottish Government has driven that. However, it is the talent inside individual businesses that make our industry tick and who are putting Scotland on the global culinary map.”

For the full list of winners, visit http://www.foodanddrink.scot/events/sfd-excellence-awards.aspx