Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2023, regional finalists
Dumfries and Galloway businesses, Galloway Lodge, Deer Manor Gourmet Mushrooms, St. James Smokehouse (Scotland) Ltd. and our very own regional food group are amongst an elite group of 75 food and drink businesses from across Scotland who are celebrating after being named as finalists for the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2023.
The annual awards, which have been running for over 22 years, recognise the highest quality produce as well as leading individuals, suppliers, and companies. This year, winners will be announced at the industry favourite black tie award night by none other than foodie TV personality Fred Sirieix on 7th September at the EICC.
Tasted categories in this year’s Excellence Awards focus on the standout products driving value and consumer choice in the market. These categories have all been tasted and judged by an expert panel of industry buyers, chefs, hospitality leaders, and food and drink writers.
Shortlisted businesses and products represent the breadth of Scottish food and drink production, from quality shellfish to craft beer, dairy to tea, and confectionery to Scotch beef.
Galloway Lodge has been shortlisted with their Pear Chutney in the Snacks & Accompaniments Product of the Year (sponsored by The Union). St. James Smokehouse (Scotland) Ltd. with their Smoked Salmon Pure Royal Filet in the Fish & Seafood Product of the Year (sponsored by Seafood Scotland). Relatively new business Deer Manor Gourmet Mushrooms have been shortlisted for the Primary Producer of the Year (sponsored by SRUC) and Eat S W Scotland are a finalist in the Regional Food and Drink Award (sponsored by Drac Logistics).
Iain Baxter, Chief Executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “Every year the Excellence Awards attract an incredibly diverse range of entries of seriously impressive quality.
“While tasting each of the products entered into the awards sounds like a dream, in reality, selecting the very best of the best has been extremely difficult for our expert judging panel. This year, judges remarked on the exceptional quality, innovation, and diversity of products on show.
The industry has been through a lot of challenges in recent years but it’s fantastic to see our food and drink businesses continue to pursue excellence in terms of their production and their broader business practices.
This year’s Awards will yet again be the premier night in one of Scotland’s most valuable and successful industries. Congratulations and good luck to all those shortlisted.”
Asda continues its support for the Excellence Awards as headline sponsor.
Ashley Connolly, Local Buying Manager Scotland, Asda, added: “Asda is honoured to support The Excellence Awards again this year, where we get to witness the passion that these Scottish producers have for their craft.
“Judging the tasted categories was a tough feat, but I, and the rest of the judging panel, believe the finalists are the best of the best within the industry.”
Organised by Scotland Food & Drink, supported by returning headline sponsor Asda.
For the full shortlist visit: https://excellenceawards.foodanddrink.scot/
