The shortlist has been announced for the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.
A total of 64 finalists from 48 businesses have been recognised across 20 categories, with companies from Edinburgh and the Lothians featuring prominently.
Now in its 25th year, the awards celebrate Scotland’s food and drink industry, recognising outstanding products, businesses and individuals.
Edinburgh and Lothians finalists include The Edinburgh Butter Co, Yester Farm Dairies, Giacopazzi’s Wholesale Ice Cream, Equi’s Ice Cream and Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony at Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza Hotel on Thursday, September 24, with Saturday Kitchen presenter and MasterChef: The Professionals judge Matt Tebbutt hosting the event.
Entries were judged by a panel of industry experts from retail, foodservice and hospitality.
Alongside product categories, the awards recognise excellence in sustainability, innovation, growth, food tourism, employer practice and emerging talent.
Among the Edinburgh finalists, Giacopazzi’s has been shortlisted in the Dairy Product of the Year category, alongside The Edinburgh Butter Co for its 1kg Unsalted Cultured Butter Sheet and Yester Farm Dairies for its Natural Cottage Cheese.
Equi’s Ice Cream’s Alex Equi is shortlisted for Young Talent of the Year, while Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar at The Scotch Whisky Experience is in the running for Food Tourism Business of the Year.
The shortlist also features major Scottish producers including Simon Howie Foods and Mackie’s of Scotland, alongside artisan businesses such as Deerness Distillery, Salar Smokehouse and Eviedale Bakehouse.
The full shortlist is available on the Scotland Food & Drink website.
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Iain Baxter, chief executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said: "As we mark 25 years of The Excellence Awards, this year promises to be a standout occasion for one of the country's most successful and dynamic industries.
"What makes this shortlist particularly exciting is the range it represents.
"This year the judges were struck by the outstanding creativity, innovation and provenance on display across every category.
"From island distilleries crafting spirits rooted in the landscapes that surround them, to food technology businesses redefining what's possible in Scottish production.
"Congratulations to everyone who has made the shortlist, and best of luck on the night.
"The ambition and ingenuity on show is a genuine reflection of where our sector is headed."
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