The North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards will be judged by a panel of esteemed industry experts, including senior figures from Waitrose and SPAR Scotland. These awards aim to honour excellence and innovation within the food and drink sector, as well as acknowledge significant investment in people, products, and processes. Opportunity North East (ONE), in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, has been driving market development for over three decades.
This year, the awards will offer practical benefits to both entrants and winners, supporting the next generation of food and drink manufacturers and producers with various market development opportunities. Entrants will benefit from the knowledge and feedback of judges from across the UK. New category prizes will also offer practical support, such as access to the new product development kitchen at ONE SeedPod, scheduled to open next year.
Martyn Lee, Executive Chef for Waitrose and leader of their food innovation team, will serve as a judge for the best new food product category. With over 20 years of experience in food development, Martyn is deeply passionate about bringing quality and exciting products to the market, utilizing data-led insights including AI. He expressed his admiration for individuals who venture into the food and drink business, emphasizing the dedication and passion required for success in this industry.
Another judge for this year’s awards is Mark Spalding, senior trading manager at CJ Lang. With 40 years of experience in the wholesale delivered and convenience store sector, Mark will be using his expertise to support the SPAR Scotland retailers supplied by CJ Lang, taking into consideration regional and local demand. He highlighted the importance of the awards as a platform for businesses to showcase their products, increase their profile, and ultimately gain increased distribution and sales.
The title sponsor for the awards is ESS, a part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, with support from SPAR Scotland, Strachans, Serco NorthLink Ferries, CMS, and Scotland Food & Drink. Graham Singer, Culinary Director for Scotland, Energy, Government & Infrastructure at ESS, shared his pride in the sponsorship and his excitement about being part of the judging panel.
Manufacturing and production businesses based in the region are invited to enter the awards, with categories ranging from the best new food and drink products to the most innovative company, rising star, and team of the year. The closing date for entries is March 8, and the winners will be announced at the awards dinner on May 9 at Meldrum House Country Hotel.
For more information, and to enter the awards, businesses can visit www.nesfoodanddrinkawards.co.uk. This event promises to be an exciting and inspiring showcase of talent and innovation, celebrating the best that the region has to offer in food and drink.
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