THE HIGHLANDS and Islands Food & Drink Awards are calling for entries from food and drink businesses across the region.
There are 16 categories that can be entered including the new award for 2019, Primary Agricultural Producer of the Year which celebrates farmers, crofters and producers who have been involved in developing a food or drink product beyond the farm gate.
Uniqueness of the product, plans for growth and sustainability are key factors that will be considered during the judging process for the new award.
John Scott, the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Award’s Ambassador in 2018 and Owner and Manager at Fearn Farm, said: “The contribution of primary producers to the industry is significant so it is important that we celebrate them.
“The food and drink industry in the Highlands and Islands is in an exciting place at the moment, it’s vital that we continue to work together building relationships between every link in the chain to ensure that our products get to the marketplaces they deserve, not just locally but all over the world.”
Other categories that are available to enter include the Innovation Award sponsored by MacRoberts LLP, Sustainability Award and Export Award sponsored by XPO Logistics.
Elaine Jamieson, Head of food and drink at Highlands & Islands Enterprise, said: “HIE are delighted to again support the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards – the region has much to be proud of when it comes to food and drink.
“I encourage every food and drink business in the Highlands and Islands to consider entering.
“The awards are a tool in the business toolbox – participation creates an opportunity for free marketing and can improve brand awareness, whilst an award is a sign of quality that creates a point of difference which sends out positive signals to customers and opens new doors.”
Winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony held at Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness on 15 November 2019. Tickets will be available to buy later on in the year.
The closing date for nominations is 3 July and entries can be made on www.hifoodanddrinkawards.com.
