Inverness takeaway Grazey Days scoops prize at Scottish Baker of the Year Awards
A POPULAR Inverness takeaway has taken home an award for one of its savoury treats at a prestigious Scottish-award ceremony.
Grazey Days scooped a bronze medal for the Highlands and Islands regional category in the Scottish Bakers Awards 2023 for their Chilli Nacho Pie.
The business, run by Jenny Whyte, was in the competition against 630 products from 70 bakers from across the country.
Ms Whyte said the achievement was very unexpected.
She said: "We submitted three products for the award but didn't expect anything to come out of it, so I was really happy with the result!
"To be bringing home bronze, I honestly couldn’t be more proud.
"At Grazey Days we always have something crazy and unusual on so we'll be probably choosing something unexpected and different for next years awards."
The competition is organised by Scottish Bakers, which supports Scotland's bakery trade and it was hotly contested with bakers each asked to put forward up to 12 of their star products to be taste tested by 50 industry experts.
“Each year our judges look for the best scones, loaves, savoury items, morning rolls, individual cakes and biscuits, as well as French and Danish style pastries and Free-from bread, biscuits and cakes,” said Scottish Bakers President Ian McGhee.
“The competition was once again close run. It was great to see the best iconic Scottish bakes entered alongside some fantastic new innovation on show, a real celebration of our fantastic sector.”
Prizes were awarded not just for the best products on show but also for the best businesses, with four business categories recognised: Craft Baker of the Year (three shops or less); Retail Craft Baker of the Year (four shops or more); Wholesale Baker of the Year (no shops) and Bakery Café of the Year for cafés who produce the bulk of their own baked goods either on-site or at a dedicated bakery unit.
“Each and every winner should be justifiably proud," Mr McGhee added, “and we hope that for every well deserved prize there is a corresponding business boost. Well done again to you all.”