Bumper crop of entrants expected at food and drink awards

THE Highlands has been hailed as one of the country’s greatest larders by a leading figure following the launch of the region’s annual food and drink awards.

The industry now brings more than 32,000 jobs to the region and generates in excess of £1 billion per year, earning it recognition as a world food destination.

And well-known writer, journalist and broadcaster, Jay Rayner, echoed those thoughts after he was announced as the host for this year’s Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards.

Entries for this year’s competition opened last week and food and drink businesses from across the region are being urged to put their names forward before the May 5 deadline.

Praising the incredibly high standard of food and drink in the region, Mr Rayner, said: “This is one of Scotland’s greatest larders, producing some of the best meat, seafood and vegetables, alongside a world-beating distilling tradition.

“I am therefore delighted and honoured to have been invited to help celebrate the very best of that.”

The competition’s reputation has boomed over the past 13 years, with more than 300 people attending the dinner at last year’s award ceremony.

And with a notable rise in smaller start-up businesses such as microbreweries, boutique distilleries and high quality niche producers, organisers are expecting a bumper number of entrants in 2017.

There are 13 competition categories this year, including titles for top restaurant, innovation and young shining star.

For more details and to apply, visit www.hifoodanddrinkawards.com

Scottish Provincial Press, which owns the Highland News Group, is media partner for the competition.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.