The excellence and innovation of food and drink businesses in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray will be recognised in the region’s industry awards next month.
This year, 46 businesses submitted 68 entries across eight categories in the awards, which celebrate success in the vital growth sector and recognise investment in people, products and processes across this diverse and dynamic industry.
Some 33 businesses have been shortlisted following two days of judging by industry leaders and category experts.
The awards, delivered by Opportunity North East (ONE) in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, have been a springboard for businesses expanding into new markets for over 30 years.
Entrants benefited from being appraised by judges from across the UK, sharing knowledge and providing feedback.
ESS, part of Compass Group UK and Ireland, is the title sponsor for the awards, and Spar Scotland, Strachans, Serco NorthLink Ferries, CMS, Scotland Food and Drink, and DYW North East Scotland also support the awards.
The 2024 awards recognise achievements across eight categories including the best new food and drink products through to the most innovative company, rising star, and team of the year.
Martyn Lee, executive chef for Waitrose, who leads the supermarket’s food innovation team, judged the best new food product category. He has worked within food development for over 20 years, first within the restaurant sector and for the past 14 years in manufacturing and retail. He is passionate about bringing quality, exciting products to market, using data-led insights including AI.
He said: “It was such an honour to judge the new food product category and I had a fantastic time meeting so many brilliant people in Aberdeenshire. I was really impressed by the innovative products that had been developed, along with the fantastic quality of the produce used.”
Culinary director for Scotland, Energy, Government and Infrastructure at ESS, Graham Singer, said: “Our head chef Lindsay Prior and I were delighted to be part of the judging panels for the North East Scotland Food and Drink Awards.
“The calibre of entries was very high and it’s always fantastic to meet local suppliers that showcase the very best local produce.”
Director of food, drink and agriculture at Opportunity North East, Peter Cook, added: “It is tremendous to see an increase in both the number of entries and number of businesses participating this year, and new names taking part for the first time.
“This mirrors the development and growth of the industry in north-east Scotland.
“For every entrant, whether listed or not, the awards are a chance to learn from the judging process and promote their product and people, and ONE will work with every ambitious business to ensure they are all winners in the marketplace.”
The winners will be announced at the new-look awards dinner on May 9, taking place at Meldrum House Country Hotel, Oldmeldrum.
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