An Annan smoked salmon company is the toast of Scots cuisine after scooping three top prizes at the 2013 Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards.
St James Smokehouse picked up Scottish Food and Drink Entrepreneur, Business of the Year and Export Business of the Year at the awards, which were held in the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh.
Others big winners included The Highland Chocolatier and Plenta Foods Limited, who received two awards each.
A special award for Outstanding Achievement in Food and Drink was also presented to Paul Grant MBE, chairman of jam makers Mackays.
James Withers , chief Executive of Scotland Food and Drink, said: "Congratulations to all winners of this year's Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards who have been recognised as the best products and businesses across a wide range of fields. Our finalists all illustrate the skill, innovation and premium quality of the country's producers, which is driving our reputation as a Land of Food and Drink.
"Our food and drink industry is vital to the economy, generating significant employment and growing at an unprecedented rate. The work of Scotland Food and Drink is a partnership of industry bodies and government, supported by over 300 companies across Scotland. This is spearheading the industry's growth and the awards highlight just some of the success stories doing the industry and country proud."
Thirty nine Scottish businesses were shortlisted for the awards, which were hosted by writer and broadcaster Hardeep Singh Kohli.
The event was run in partnership with Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS).
HeraldScotland is the media partner for this year's awards. Its headline sponsor is Asda.
Allan Murray, chairman of RHASS, said: "We are delighted to have played a part in another successful Excellence Awards which celebrate Scottish food and drink products and businesses from primary food producers to processing and the finished product. They highlight the amazing provenance and quality we can be so proud of in Scotland. The finalists and winners demonstrate the strength of our nation's product offering as well as the diversity and innovation of our businesses."
Full list of the 2013 Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards winners:
The Outstanding Achievement in Food & Drink -Paul Grant MBE, Mackays chairman
Product of the Year - Velvet Truffles and Spiced Pralines by The Highland Chocolatier
Scottish Food and Drink Entrepreneur - Brendan James Maher (St James Smokehouse)
Business of the Year - St James Smokehouse
Soup, Preserves & Accompaniments - Hebridean Sea Salt Ltd. (Hebridean Sea Salt)
Fish and Seafood - The Smokehouse (Hot Smoked Trout Pate with Horseradish and Dill)
Bakery and Cereal Based Product - Dean's (Mary Steele Speciality Biscuits)
Meat - Red, White and Game - Rannoch Smokery (Dry-cured Smoked Wild Scottish Venison)
Drink - Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic - The Orkney Brewery (Dark Island Reserve)
Dairy - Taste of Arran (Arran's Cheese Shop Mustard Cheddar)
Confectionery and Snacking - The Highland Chocolatier (Velvet Truffles and Spiced Pralines)
Foodservice Product of the Year - Katy Rodger's Artisan Dairy (Scottish Breakfast Yogurt)
Healthy Eating - Plenta Foods Limited (Pulsetta Rolls)
Marketing - Mama Tea Ltd
Export Business of the Year - St James Smokehouse
Profiting through Research - Plenta Foods Limited
Profiting through Skills - A K Stoddart Ltd
Success through Working in Partnerships - Scotty Brand Ltd
Environmental Sustainability - Mackintosh of Glendaveny Ltd
Food and Drink Tourism - The Store
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