Recognition for businesses at North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards
Last night saw 11 winners announced at the North East Scotland Food and Drink Awards dinner and ceremony. The awards, delivered in partnership by Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeenshire Council, are part of an ambitious programme of activity to support food and drink businesses of all sizes through business growth, innovation, strengthening the supply chain, market development and skills development.
Pat Machray, Chairman of Opportunity North East’s Food, Drink & Agriculture Board, said:
“ONE is investing in the growth potential of the region’s strong food, drink and agriculture sector, which includes globally recognised brands and innovative start-ups. These awards provide an excellent platform for businesses to raise their profile and recognise the excellence of companies of all sizes in north east Scotland.
“The winners and finalists should be able to use the recognition they have received tonight to promote their brands and products, increase turnover and ultimately provide more high-value employment in the region. We wish them every success in their endeavours and look forward to working with them in assisting them with their future wherever we can.”
The full list of winners are;
| Award | Company | Winning Product/Person/ Company |
| Most Successful Product from the 2016 Awards Sponsored by Aberdeenshire Council | Summerhouse Drinks Ltd
| Walter Gregor’s Tonic Water |
| Best New Retail Product (1-10 employees) Sponsored by Aston Scott | Westfield Farms | Westfield Farms Stoneground Spelt Flour |
| Best New Retail Product (11- 50 employees) Sponsored by Aston Scott | Castleton Farm Shop | Castleton Strawberry Tart Jelly |
| Best New Retail Product (51 and above employees) Sponsored by Aston Scott | Mackie’s of Scotland | Indulgent Real Dairy Ice Cream, Lemon Meringue and Chocolate Orange |
| Best New Foodservice Product Sponsored by ESS Support Services Worldwide | The Bay Fish & Chips | The Bay Fishcakes |
| Denis Emslie Above & Beyond Award Sponsored by Mackie’s of Scotland | J&I Smith Bakers Ltd | Denise Middler
|
| Best Young Business Sponsored by Scotland Food & Drink | Fierce Beer | Fierce Beer |
| Investing in Skills Development Sponsored by Skills Development Scotland | Murdoch Allan Bakers | Murdoch Allan Bakers |
| North East Scotland Food & Drink Entrepreneur Sponsored by Johnston Carmichael | Monkey Bars Aberdeen and Langstane Liquor | Ben Iravani |
| Best Food Tourism Experience Sponsored by Opportunity North East | Gordon Castle Walled Garden
| Gordon Castle Walled Garden |
| Innovation Award Sponsored by MMS | Speyside Craft Brewery Ltd | Speyside Craft Brewery Ltd |
