New look North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards to support growth of ambitious businesses
Judges from key customers for north east Scotland’s food and drink sector are part of the revamped industry awards set to support the growth of ambitious businesses across the region.
The North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards, delivered by Opportunity North East (ONE) in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, has been a springboard for market development for over 30 years.
The new-look awards offer practical benefits to entrants and winners, to support the next generation of food and drink manufacturers and producers with a range of market development opportunities.
Industry-leading judges from across the UK – including from Waitrose & Partners, Naked Wines and SPAR – will provide feedback on entries. New category prizes will provide practical growth support, including use of the new product development kitchen at ONE SeedPod. Shortlisted and winning entries will benefit from enhanced profiles with industry buyers, influencers, and consumers, and products entered will also feature at the gala awards dinner in May – the region’s premier industry event.
ESS, the Defence, Energy & Government Services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland is the title sponsor for the awards, and SPAR Scotland, Strachans, Serco North Link Ferries, CMS and Scotland Food & Drink support the awards.
The awards are free to enter for Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray-based businesses. This year’s categories include the best new food and drink products through to the most innovative company, rising star and team of the year.
Stanley Morrice MBE chairs the food, drink, and agriculture board at ONE. He said: "North east Scotland's world-class food and drink sector is enterprising and innovative, and its products are in demand across the UK and internationally. ONE is working with entrepreneurs and business leaders to enable them to achieve more and fulfil their growth ambitions.
“The revamped 2024 awards provide the industry platform and practical support to boost market development and celebrate excellence and investment in people, products and processes across this diverse and dynamic sector. We want to see success stories of consumer-led product development and hear from the businesses putting people, innovation and sustainability at the heart of their growth plans and to see finalists and winners benefit from their participation," said Mr Morrice.
The food and drink sector in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray is growing twice as fast as the rest of the country and employs more than 22,000 people. Looking ahead, high-value manufacturing and production are pivotal in the region's economic diversification through sustainable growth and the creation of new, high-skill jobs.
Chair of Aberdeenshire Council's Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Alan Turner, said:
“Each year, the north east of Scotland’s economy is massively bolstered by £2.4 billion thanks to its tremendous food and drink production. Additionally, the sector supports around 22,000 jobs across the region, hugely important for our communities.
“The North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards play an important role in celebrating local businesses and key figures within the industry who, despite all the challenges facing them, such as ongoing energy and supply costs, continue driving innovation and business growth. We are delighted to continue our partnership with ONE to recognise these success stories, promoting the region as a pacesetter in the Scottish food and drink industry. I encourage all businesses to enter, particularly those who haven't entered before.”
Successful businesses across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray have repeatedly used the awards to test and promote new products, hone their pitching skills, reward team efforts and gain recognition for their achievements in everything from exports to sustainability.
Claire Rennie is the owner of Summerhouse Drinks, which has secured multiple product wins and had operational excellence recognised in the awards. She said: "The awards provide a very well-respected opportunity for local food and drinks manufacturers to showcase the quality of their products and operations. The win isn’t the winning, but the ability to meet and discuss your business with the judges, who are generally key players in the food and drink industry."
Stuart Common is managing director of Mackie's of Scotland, which has won in categories including retail product, tourism experience, export, business growth and sustainability. He said: “The awards celebrate all the great food and drink businesses we are surrounded by in the region, allowing us to share our successes and champion wonderful produce and products. Being considered for, and subsequently winning, an award is both satisfying and gratifying for the hard work that goes into making our products and is a reminder and recognition of the efforts of the whole team involved.”
Businesses should enter the 2024 awards via the www.nesfoodanddrinkawards.co.uk website. The closing date for entries is 8 March 2024, and winners will be announced at the awards dinner on 9 May 2024 at Meldrum House Country Hotel, Oldmeldrum.
North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards
The North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards form part of a wider programme of activities that support growth in the food, drink and agriculture sector delivered by Opportunity North East, working in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council.
The 2024 awards recognise achievements across eight categories.
1. Best New Drink Product
For brewed, distilled and non-alcoholic products launched between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023. Products can be branded or own-label sold through independent or multiple retailers, farm shops, farmers markets, and delis or directly to the consumer or to the foodservice sector (hotels, bars, restaurants, catering).
All entrants will be asked to supply products for the tasting judging in March.
2. Best New Food Product
For food products launched between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023. Products can be branded, or own label sold through independent or multiple retailers, farm shops, farmers markets, delis etc or directly to the consumer or to the foodservice sector (hotels, bars, restaurants, catering).
All entrants will be asked to supply products for the tasting judging in March.
3. Best Food & Drink Tourism Experience/Event
For a primary or added value food or drink producer who has created and launched a food and drink experience or event since January 2023, which is successful at attracting visitors both local and from outwith the North East. This can include tastings, tours, food or drink festivals, visitor centres and events focussed on celebrating local food and drink.
4. Best Young Business
For a business less than 5 years old that best demonstrates growth through implementation of their unique business model, value proposition, business plan and marketing approach. For a business that has been established and trading since January 2019.
5. Business Growth Award
For a business that best demonstrates success through their business model, performance, strategic planning, innovation, and strong leadership. For a business that has been established 5 years and over, i.e., prior to January 2019.
6. Most Innovative Business
For a business that can demonstrate a high level of innovation and operational excellence in their company – whether that is in sustainability, digital/business model transformation, e-commerce, supply chain, processes, packaging or products.
7. Team of the Year
This award recognises the exceptional achievements of a team that demonstrates outstanding collaboration, works well together effectively, and has a strong leader that is committed to the learning and development of their staff.
8. Rising Star of the Year
This award recognises a young person’s outstanding contribution and achievement in the North East Scotland food and drink sector, celebrating their commitment, passion and work to develop the industry in the region, their outstanding qualities and potential. The award is open to any person aged between 16 and 30 on 9 May 2023. The individual should be nominated by an employer, colleague, mentor, etc.