Three firms reach food and drink final

Three businesses in Shetland have been shortlisted for prestigious Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards, which celebrate the diversity of produce in the region.

Lerwick Brewery has been shortlisted for its 60° North lager in the alcoholic drink category.

Co-founder of Lerwick Brewery Graham Mercer said: “60° North has been attracting a lot of attention recently from both reviewers and retailers, and we are thrilled to be announced as a finalist in what is one of Scotland’s leading awards. While the craft beer market is full of emerging dark beers, there are less locally-brewed Pilseners coming onto the market.

“We seem to have hit the nail on the head with 60° North. Drinkers are loving it and so are the experts – so hope that this translates to success for us at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.”

Shetland Cheese Ltd has entered its St Ninians cheese in the dairy category, and Frankie’s Fish & Chips is in the Scottish Sourcing category.

With 21 award categories celebrating Scottish food and drink, the awards take place on 22nd May. The awards range from drink Entrepreneur to 10 food product awards that are largely judged on taste. There are two new categories, Scottish sourcing and brand success of the year.

In the course of their assessment of the entries, the judges tasted 115 food and drink entries and examined submissions from 102 businesses across Scotland.

The Scottish television presenter, Kaye Adams, will host the sold-out final in front of 700 guests.

Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink, James Withers, said: “Entries have come from individuals, artisan producers and global brands reflecting the wide variety of our food and drink companies as well as their strengths and expertise. All play their part in the continued development and growth of the industry to a value of £16.5bn by 2017.”

RHASS chief executive Stephen Hutt said: “It is the society’s remit to promote primary producers and the exceptional standard of entries demonstrates just how vibrant and innovative our food and drink sector is.”