Collaboration In Supply Chains To Be Recognised In 2008 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards

The importance of collaboration throughout the food and drink supply chain is to be recognised in Scotland's main award scheme for innovation, enterprise and quality in the food and drink industry.

For 2008, the awards - widely acclaimed as the "Oscars" of the industry - have also dropped the description "Scottish" and will now be known as the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards, reflecting the name of the industry's leadership organisation.

The new name and category have been introduced at a time when the Scottish food and drink industry is high on the political agenda with the first steps towards a National Food Policy taken with the launch of a national discussion by Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment earlier this month.

The Collaboration Award is one of seventeen category awards which will be judged by a panel of industry experts with all entries provided with feedback from the judges. Categories include retail products, food service, international business, brand development, direct marketing, healthy eating, the environment, as well as collaboration in supply chains.

The awards, now in their seventh year, are organised jointly and co-sponsored by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland and Scottish Enterprise on behalf of Scotland Food & Drink. Other sponsors include The Grocer, Scottish Development International and the Food and Health Alliance.

Last year's supreme winner was Benromach Organic Single Malt Whisky produced at Speyside's smallest working distillery at Forres, operated by Gordon & MacPhail of Elgin.

Maggie McGinlay, Director of Food and Drink at Scottish Enterprise, said: "This is an exciting time for an industry worth over £7 billion to the Scottish economy. Scotland continues to have a strong reputation for its food and drink both at home and internationally and the awards recognise the drive for innovation and growth for which our industry has become known.

"Companies are encouraged to enter the Excellence Awards, not only for product feedback, but also to gain from the increased brand awareness and market share that can stem from winning a category."

Gareth Baird, RHASS Director with special responsibility for food and drink, added: "We have an extremely vibrant food sector in Scotland. There are many parts to the industry and as a primary producer myself, I am especially pleased that this year we are to recognise the importance of joint venture and collaboration."

Closing date for entries is February 22. Judging of short listed products takes place in April with a presentation ceremony and dinner at The Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh on May 8. Entry forms are available electronically from www.royalhighlandshow.org.uk, from www.scotlandfoodanddrink.org and other associated sites.

http://www.royalhighlandshow.org/EZEdit/FoodExcellenceAwards.asp

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