As the deadline for entries approaches (January 28), food and drink businesses in Scotland’s north east are being urged to enter the Grampian Food Forum Innovation Awards 2016, providing the opportunity to showcase their offering to a host of high profile judges.
The awards, which are entering their 26th year, recognise excellence and innovation in food and drink in Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City and Moray. The categories include Best New Retail Product, Best New Foodservice Product, Best Young Business, Food and Drink Entrepreneur and Commitment to Health and Wellbeing. Organised by Grampian Food Forum, the Awards are keen to encourage new companies and producers to consider entering. The Forum are hosting a free Awards workshop at Thainstone House Hotel on Tuesday, January 19 from 4pm – 6pm which is open to all potential entrants to attend. You can register your attendance on the forum website at www.grampianfoodforum.co.uk
Elizabeth Mathie, Industry Support Executive for Food and Drink at Aberdeenshire Council said:
“The Innovation Awards have gone from strength to strength and following the success of the Year of Food & Drink in 2015, we’re expecting this year’s Awards to be stronger than ever before. Success at the awards has been clearly linked to businesses gaining access to new customers and markets, which can have a positive impact on their growth. I’d urge businesses of all sizes to try their hand at entering these awards as a way of driving both their own business success and further enhancing the reputation of Grampian’s food and drink industry.”
Entering the Awards also gives entrants the opportunity to meet with the Awards’ illustrious panel of judges. This year, the judges include:
- Sarah Mackie, Scottish Procurement Director for Brakes and an expert in procurement for the multiples.
- Michael Whiteford, Buying Director at ALDI who has worked with the company in both Scotland and the USA. He is currently responsible for developing the product range within Scottish Aldi Stores.
- Hilary Sturzaker, Food blogger at the award-winning food blog MyMonkfish and consultant on online content.
Sarah Mackie said:
“Entering the Grampian Food Forum Innovation Awards presents a great opportunity to showcase your product and company across the region, Scotland and beyond. I’m delighted to be involved in the judging this year and seeing what new products and ideas have been developed.”
ESS Support Services Worldwide is title sponsor for the 2016 Awards and also supporting this year are; Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council, Ardoe House Hotel, AVC Media, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Johnston Carmichael, Keenan Recycling Ltd, Mackie’s of Scotland, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, Scotland Food & Drink, Scottish Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, The Moray Council, The Press and Journal and Think Local.
The closing date for entries is Thursday, January 28 and winners will be announced at a presentation dinner, which will take place on Thursday, March 24 at the Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel and Spa.