For over 21 years the Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards has recognised the innovation and creativity that has come from companies, teams and individuals who, through their hard work and determination, are raising the bar and helping to build Scotland’s reputation as a Land of Food and Drink.
After more than two long and tough years, when the entire supply chain had to fundamentally change the way it did business – almost over-night; when food and drink businesses had to pivot, flex and stretch to keep the nations fridges and freezers full, their employees in jobs and their valuable brands alive, Scotland Food and Drink was excited to finally be able to celebrate the hidden heroes, the resilience and the tenacity of Scotland’s amazing food and drink industry with the 2022 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.
Last held in 2019, and returning after a Covid-enforced hiatus, the categories for 2022 were updated to reflect the changing world.
In recognition of the monumental shift by consumers to support regional and local produce, Scotland Food and Drink introduced a Regional Food and Drink Award to reflect the collaboration happening across the regions helping to put Scotland’s unique products on the map.
Sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Regional Food and Drink Award was presented to Shetland Food and Drink, whose role is not only to proudly promote and market Shetland produce both locally and in external markets, but to fuel collaboration, share expertise, educate and inform.
Marian Armitage, Chair of Shetland Food and Drink, says, “The SFAD board and I are very proud of the team for winning this award. It’s so well deserved after all their ongoing dedication for the benefit of Shetland food and drink.”
Claire White, Food Tourism Ambassador for Shetland, receiving the award on behalf of Shetland Food and Drink, says: “This award is a tribute to everyone who works incredibly hard in Shetland’s food, drink, hospitality, accommodation and tourism sectors”
Joanne Williams, Taste of Shetland Project Assistant, remarked, “Seeing A Taste of Shetland's name light up on the big screen when they announced the winner made me really proud to represent Shetland and our members.”
Mary Andreas, receiving the award says “It was an honour to see our contribution in promoting Shetland and its food & drink producers recognised.
Taste of Shetland member Scottish Sea Farms was shortlisted for the Employer of the Year Award, while Uradale Farm was shortlisted as Primary Producer of the Year.
