Finalists announced in food and drink industry awards recognising entrepreneurship and innovation
Innovation in north east Scotland’s growing and nationally-significant food and drink sector will be recognised in the region’s industry awards in June.
Manufacturers and producers spanning startups to national brands in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray have been shortlisted for the top industry accolades. More than 60 entries were submitted for this year’s North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards.
Judges from businesses and organisations including Tesco, Marks & Spencer, National Trust for Scotland, Opportunity North East (ONE) and Scotland Food & Drink spent two days assessing entries across eight categories reflecting the breadth and quality of the industry, including Best New Food and Drink Products, Most Innovative Business, Best Young Business, Business Growth, Rising Star, and Team of the Year.
ONE delivers the awards in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, with support from this year’s category sponsors CMS, DYW North East, Outsource Laboratory, Scotland Food & Drink, and Serco NorthLink Ferries.
Food and drink is Scotland’s largest manufacturing sector, with the north east contributing an impressive 20% of Scotland’s total output. The sector in the region generates an annual turnover of £2.4 billion and supports over 22,000 jobs across manufacturing, production, agriculture, and seafood processing.
The winners will be unveiled at the awards dinner on 5 June 2025 at Meldrum House Country Hotel, Oldmeldrum. For more information, visit the www.nesfoodanddrinkawards.co.uk website.
Alan Thorpe, Director of ONE Food & Drink, said: “The food and drink awards shine a spotlight on the vibrant spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. With a history spanning over 30 years, they celebrate the remarkable achievements of businesses – from dynamic startups to major brands – that are proudly rooted in the north east.
“The experienced judging panel – drawn from retail, foodservice and hospitality – spent two days reviewing this year’s entries to arrive at the shortlist. The quality of products and growth on display underline why this region is at the forefront of Scotland’s largest manufacturing sector and is ambitious to deliver further growth in the coming years.
“On behalf of ONE, Aberdeenshire Council, and all the category sponsors, I wish all the finalists the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating with them at the awards ceremony in June,” said Alan.
The 2025 North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards finalists are as follows:
BEST YOUNG BUSINESS
CarnieBees Ltd
Glenkindie Pantry
Tullynessle Deer Farm
Sherriff & Hope Ltd
BEST FOOD & DRINK TOURISM EXPERIENCE
City of Aberdeen Distillery Ltd.
Glen Garioch Distillery
Tullynessle Deer Farm
Long Table Feast – Westerton Farmers
BUSINESS GROWTH AWARD
Brew Toon
Mackintosh of Glendaveny
Mackie’s of Scotland
TEAM OF THE YEAR
Mackie’s of Scotland
Mackintosh of Glendaveny
RISING STAR AWARD
Bethany Cross, Dean’s of Huntly Ltd
Megan Dorward, Castleton Farm
Andrew Robertson, Burnside Brewery
MOST INNOVATIVE BUSINESS AWARD
Burnside Brewery
City of Aberdeen Distillery Ltd.
Lapwings Community Mill
Raw Culture Ltd
Singularity Sauce Co
Sherriff & Hope
BEST NEW PRODUCT (SMALL COMPANY)
Dip Club UK - Cashew & Coconut D!P - Satayin’ Alive
Hungry Squirrel Limited - Sweet Chai Cashew Butter
Slow Sauce - Oat Miso
Singularity Sauce Co - Fuego De Cerveza
BEST NEW PRODUCT (MEDIUM TO LARGE COMPANY)
Amity Fish Company Ltd - Amity Lobster Macaroni Pie
Castleton Farm Shop - Castleton Farm Mayonnaise
John Ross Jr (Aberdeen) Ltd - Maple Syrup Hot Smoked Salmon
rora dairy - rora dairy Organic Natural Live Kefir Yogurt
Speyside Specialities - Bac’ n Black
BEST NEW DRINK PRODUCT
Brew Toon - Murray Cup
Burnside Brewery - Lump of Coal - Festive Stout
Glen Garioch Distillery - Glen Garioch 2009 Refill Sherry Single Cask #2198
Six°North - Foraged Saison
The Outlaw Rum Company - Rachael’s Sherry Cask
