Entries Open for Highlands and Islands Awards

The range of categories includes New Business, Healthier Food & Drink, New Product, Environment, Development of Export Markets and Restaurant of the Year.

A new category for 2013 is the Entrepreneur Award, which recognises outstanding achievement by an individual in the food and drink industry in the Highlands and Islands.

Jock Gibson, who won at last year’s ceremony and is now a member of the Awards Committee said, “Our region should be proud of its contribution to Scotland’s food and drink industry and we want to see more producers and businesses shouting about the outstanding quality of their products. We want to show off to the wider industry that the Highlands and Islands is home to some of the most innovative businesses in the food and drink sector.

“In 2012, several new categories were introduced to extend the reach of the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards, opening them up to more companies than ever before and making them more inclusive. We want to build on that and help raise the profile of the hard-working individuals whose passion and commitment drives our industry.

“Entering the awards is a good exercise in itself as it helps you focus on your strengths and pinpoint areas of improvements – and it’s good for staff morale. The Awards Dinner is also a fantastic networking opportunity, particularly for those who are in more remote locations and don’t often get the chance to meet like-minded colleagues.”

Entries are open until 3rd June. For more information, visit www.hifoodanddrinkawards.com.