2011 Grampian Food Forum Innovation Awards - Finalists Announced
Pre-judging for the Grampian Food Forum Innovation Awards took place at the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa this week. (Tuesday 8th March). and the finalists announced.
A total of 29 companies entered the renowned event, which regularly attracts the best in local produce from Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City and Moray.
The pre-judges were Mike Russell, Head of quality assurance for Nisa (Holdings) Ltd, and Joe Wall owner and director of the Dunfermline based fine-foods distributor, The Cress Company.
Nisa-Today’s (Holdings) Ltd is the United Kingdom’s leading member-owned organisation, providing benefits to independent retailers and wholesalers in food and drink markets.
Joe Wall is owner and director of the Dunfermline based fine-foods distributor, The Cress Company which he founded in 2004, aged 21. The business specialises in providing a route to market for small, premium Scottish suppliers who might otherwise struggle to reach an appropriate audience of consumers.
Joe Wall said: “It has been good to see such a diverse range of high quality products from local producers and it’s great companies are still coming forward with their new product innovations in this challenging economic climate.”
The judges assessed 38 entries at this stage in the competition and the shortlisted products will go through to the final at the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa on Thursday 24th March.
The lead judge for the final is Neil Turton, Chief Executive Officer of Nisa-Today’s (Holdings) Ltd. Joe Wall owner is also on the panel as well as Richard Bath, editor of Scottish Field.
Grampian Food Forum Coordinator, Elizabeth Mathie, said: “We are delighted with the response to this year’s competition and are particularly pleased to see some companies entering for the first time.
My Sweet Memories and Quarryhead Fine Meats, Wynford Organic meats are first time entrants and we welcome their participation in the event.”
Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, Peter Argyle, said: “The Grampian Food Forum Innovation Awards has become a key highlight of the north-east business calendar and it’s fantastic to hear so many companies have entered this year.
Vice-chair, Jill Webster, added: “The north-east of Scotland has some teriffic food and drink companies, many of which sell their products throughout the United Kingdom and abroad.
“The Innovation Awards have been a great way of recognising the talent and success our businesses have had over the last 21 years, which is a trend I’m sure will continue in the coming years.”
The winners will be announced at the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa on Thursday 24th March at an awards presentation dinner, which will be attended by around 200 representatives from the local food and drink industry.
Tickets for the Grampian Food Forum Innovation Awards Presentation Dinner, which takes place at Marcliffe Hotel and Spa on Thursday 24th March 2011, cost £55 and can be purchased on https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W96L3HR.
Finalists
- Andrew Gordon Butchery & Fine Foods
- Baxters Food Group
- Berry Scrumptious
- Cambus O'May Cheese Co
- Castleton Farm Shop
- Chocolat Passions
- Cocoa Ooze
- Finzean Estate Farm Shop & Tea Room
- Gordon and MacPhail
- John Ross Jr (Aberdeen) Ltd
- Joseph Robertson Aberdeen Ltd
- Mackie’s of Scotland
- Macphie of Glenbervie Ltd
- Mitchells
- My Sweet Memories
- Moray Seafoods
- Nor-Sea Foods Ltd
- Ola Oils
- The Deeside Smokehouse
- The Oatmeal of Alford
- The Store
- Tilquhillie Fine Foods
- Trawlpac Seafoods Ltd
- Wynford Organic
