2009 Williamson Foodservice Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards Shortlist

Over 35 businesses and individuals from throughout the Highlands and Islands have found the recipe for success as they are recognised today (8th September) in the 2009 Williamson Foodservice Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards shortlist.

Judged by a panel of industry experts from across the sector, the winning entries will be revealed at an Awards Dinner, featuring produce from throughout the Highlands and Islands, to be held at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness, on Friday 23rd October 2009. The Awards, sponsored by Williamson Foodservice, organised by the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Forum, and supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scotland Food & Drink, celebrate excellence and achievement in the area’s food and drink industry.

Entries have been shortlisted for ten award categories recognising high standards and exceptional quality. New for 2009 is the Young Ambassador of the Year Award, acknowledging the important role of young people in the industry. Other categories reward successful new products and businesses, innovation, promotion of healthy living, good environmental practice, commitment to local produce, and individual achievement.

Gary Williamson, managing director of Williamson Foodservice and title sponsor of the event, said: “Yet again, the judges were impressed by the quality of the people, businesses and products entered for the Awards. As the chair of a panel selected from all aspects of the industry, I know that the extremely high standard of entries gave rise to some difficult decisions during the judging process.   And as distributor of an extensive range of local products from the Highlands and Islands throughout the area, I am delighted to see Williamson Foodservice play a part in recognising and celebrating the exceptional quality of our products and people!

Hazel Gordon, chairman of the Highland & Islands Food & Drink Forum, said: “It is great to see another year of excellent entries from across the area, underlining the quality that exists within the Highlands and Islands food and drink sector. In this competitive field, congratulations are due to all the entries on the shortlist. We are very grateful for the generous support of all our sponsors and their recognition of the importance of encouraging quality produce and high standards.

For further information on the Awards phone 0845 838 2748 or visit www.hifoodanddrinkawards.com .