Food and drink producers from the north of Scotland are being encouraged to put themselves forward for a nationwide competition.
The Great British Food Awards are hosted annually as a celebration of Britain’s finest produce and services, and are judged by some of the biggest names in food and drink, including Edinburgh chef Tom Kitchin, Michel Roux Jr, Raymond Blanc and The Hairy Bikers.
The call for producers from the north to enter comes as a number of Scottish retail businesses were named as finalists after being nominated by the public. Balgove Larder near St Andrews, Ardross Farm Shop located between Elie and St Monans, and The Buffalo Farm in Kirkcaldy, have all been shortlisted in the Best Farm Shop & Deli category, alongside Billingtons of Lenzie and Valvona & Crolla in Edinburgh.
Bowhouse in the East Neuk of Fife has also been named as a finalist in the Food Market category, while Edinburgh business I.J. Mellis was shortlisted among the Best Cheesemongers in the UK.
Now organisers are calling for entries from Scottish food producers across a range of categories – covering everything from baking, to dairy, confectionary, alcoholic and soft drinks to meat and fish, and more – before the closing date of July 13.
Readers of the Great British Food magazine, which organises the awards, were previously asked to nominate their favourites across a list of categories covering food retailers, restaurants and pubs, cookery schools, books and chefs. The top five in each category are then put up for public vote, with a £5,000 prize incentive.
The panel of high-profile judges will choose the other category winners, with an overall champion chosen by awards sponsor Booths Supermarket.
Natasha Lovell-Smith, editor of Great British Food magazine and organiser of the awards, said: “Each year, our awards entries yield exciting new flavours from all across Britain, ‘undiscovered’ local gems as well as better-known British producer-brands.
“Feedback on the finalists from our well-known and respected judges, the majority of whom return every year to support the awards, is always packed with praise and appreciation for the skill, passion and knowledge that goes into producing food and drink of such high standard. To win an award means that your product is truly one of the best in Britain, and is a mark of its provenance too.”
Winners and finalists from the producer categories will be made public on October 15, with full coverage in Great British Food magazine and Speciality Food, and a ceremony and trade event to be announced.
For more information on how to enter visit greatbritishfoodawards.com
