The organisers of the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards (HIFAD) have issued a final call for entries as part of the annual celebration of the best food and drink producers in the region.
HIFAD, now in its fifteenth year, showcases and celebrates excellence and achievement in the food and drink industry in the Highlands and Islands.
Businesses have until Wednesday 3rd July 2019 to submit their entries. The sixteen categories recognise the significant contribution of the producers to the industry.
New for 2019, HIFAD have introduced the Primary Agricultural Producer of the Year to the line-up which is open to farmers, crofters and all primary agricultural producers. The category, sponsored by Be Personnel, awards producers who have been involved in developing a food and drink product beyond the farm gate.
Other categories include the Sustainability Award recognising a business or organisation who have taken their environmental, social and financial responsibilities to the next level, showcasing the best practice in the industry.
The Food & Drink Business Growth Award, sponsored by Johnston Carmichael is another hotly contested category. The award celebrates a business who have shown fantastic business performance, entrepreneurial flair, strategic planning, innovation and strong leadership.
Previous winners at the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards have spoken of the benefits they have experienced as a result of participating in the awards.
Amanda Anderson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Isle of Barra Oysters, winners of the 2018 New Product Category, said:
“Entering the awards really helped to put our product on the map and get our name out there in an extremely positive way. The event itself is also a superb networking opportunity, talking to like-minded producers, potential customers and curious journalists! I would say don’t think twice, enter your product, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!”
Winners will be revealed at the prestigious awards ceremony at Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness on 15th November and be hosted by STV presenter Jennifer Reoch. Tickets will be available to buy later on in the year.
Follow the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink awards on their social media to keep up to date with the latest news and announcements. Find them on Twitter at @hifooddrink.
For further information on HIFAD the categories and to apply, visit www.hifoodanddrinkawards.com.
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