Tough choices for judges in Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards

More new businesses than ever before have put themselves forward for this year’s Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards.

The awards recognise key businesses across the region’s £1 billion food and drink industry in a range of categories including best new business, sustainability and – new for 2019 – primary agricultural producer of the year.

Producers, individuals and venues included in this year’s awards shortlist include Nairn businesses Café One One Two, The Really Garlicky Company and The Sun Dancer as well as Fortrose Café, Inverness-based Williamson Foodservice and the same owner’s Corner on the Square café and delicatessen in Beauly.

Elaine Jamieson, head of food and drink at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which is supporting the awards, said: “We are delighted to see a significant increase in the number of first-time entries this year.

“It’s very encouraging to see new businesses coming forward, alongside new products and initiatives from businesses who’ve entered before.

“Best eatery award and restaurant of the year award both had a very high level of entrants and presented the judges with a particularly difficult challenge to select two shortlists to go forwards for mystery diner judging. This is real testimony to the hospitality sector in the region, and to producers who ensure high quality local produce is available to our cafés, tearooms and restaurants.”

The winners, who have been selected by a judging panel drawn from across the region’s business sectors, will be named at a ceremony hosted by STV presenter Jennifer Reoch at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on November 15.

For a full list of finalists and ticket details, visit www.hifoodanddrinkawards.com

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