Food and drink awards 2023 opens for entries

Food and drink companies across the Highlands and Islands have just over nine weeks to enter the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards 2023.

The awards opened for entries today (5 April) and organisers are looking for nominations across 14 categories, including three new ones: E-commerce, Best Start Up and Best Street Food.

Closing date for entries is Friday 9 June. Shortlisting will take place during the summer and the evening awards ceremony will take place at Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness on Friday 27 October. Tickets will go on sale later in the year.

HIE is a long-standing supporter of the awards. Elaine Jamieson, HIE’s head of food and drink and life sciences, said:

“The awards are a great chance for individuals and businesses to network and celebrate achievements across the food and drink and hospitality industries.

“As we have seen with previous winners, the accolade of being among the best raises the profile of outstanding businesses and products and can lead to many new market opportunities.

“We are delighted to be supporting the awards once again and look forward to meeting friends old and new in October.”

Gilpin Bradley, member of the award’s steering group, and current award’s ambassador, said:

“We have a spectacular range of hard working, passionate people and teams from Unst to Arran, Barra to Aberlour and everywhere in between, who offer the very best quality food and drink products and experiences. I would encourage businesses of all sizes to enter as we have created a diverse range of categories suited to growers, bakers, chefs, distillers and butchers who live and work here.”