Reflecting the wealth of notable producers and businesses in the north of Scotland, the 2015 Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards has officially opened its submissions.
Entries submitted to the 15 categories are being welcomed until Friday May 8, with particpants encourgaed to apply for their chance to win titles inclduing Best Eatery, Young Shining Star, Marketing Initiative and Independent Food & Drink Retailer of the Year.
2015 will herald the Awards' 11th year, and are delivered with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Chris Taylor, Head of Food and Drink and Tourism at HIE said:
"The Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards are an opportunity for us to showcase the natural larder of our region, which is amongst the best in the world. We have increased our support this year in recognition of its importance and the desire to continue growing the Awards.
"Previous winners have made great use of their accolade to build their brands and reach new markets. The Year of Food and Drink is the perfect time for businesses to apply and once again prove that our produce and producers are world-class."
Gordon & MacPhail, one of the UK's leading independent wine, spirit and whisky wholesalers, is headline sponsor. Stephen Rankin, UK Sales Director at Gordon & MacPhail, said:
"We're delighted to be continuing our sponsorship of the Highland & Islands Food & Drink Awards and play our part in supporting an industry that is a key economic driver for the area.
"Across the world, our food and drink is recognised as some of the very best and these awards play a valuable role in continuing to raise standards."
The full list of categories: Excellence Award, sponsored by Gordon & MacPhail; New Product Award, sponsored by Scotland Food & Drink; New Business Award, sponsored by Bank of Scotland; Export Award, sponsored by Norbert Dentressangle; Best Eatery Award, sponsored by Nessgro; Best Drink Award, sponsored by JBT Distribution & ParcelinQ; Business Growth Award, sponsored by Johnston Carmichael; Environment Award, sponsored by The Boxshop Ltd; Ambassador of the Year, sponsored by North Highland Initiative; Best Eatery Award, sponsored by Swansons Fruit Company Ltd; Young Shining Star Award, sponsored by Ecosse Professional Services; Healthier Food & Drink Award, sponsored by The University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute of Nutrition & Health; Restaurant of the Year Award, sponsored by Think Local / SRUC; Marketing Initiative Award; Independent Food & Drink Retailer of the Year.
For full details of the award categories and how to enter visit www.hifoodanddrinkawards.com
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