Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards
Celebrating the best of Scotland’s exceptional food and drink scene, The Excellence Awards shine a light on the incredible businesses that call this unique country their home.
Date: Thursday, 24 September 2026
Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow
For over two decades, the coveted Excellence Awards have brought together the finest Scottish producers with key decision makers and influencers across the industry. Underpinned by people, passion, and perseverance, it is an opportunity to toast to our industry’s fantastic achievements of the past year, whilst looking to the future and supporting the next wave of innovation and creativity.
Award Categories
For 2026, The Excellence Awards have a refreshed category offering, enhancing the opportunity for more Scottish food and drink businesses than ever to take part.
Welcoming over 500 influential guests – including leading industry figures, renowned producers, key buyers, retailers and media – The Awards offer a powerful platform to connect with the very heart of Scotland's vibrant food and drink community.
Tasted Categories
Tasted entries are open to Scottish food and drink businesses that are registered in Scotland and produce or manufacture food or drink. Products may be new to market or well established but must have been in market since before June 2025.
The Artisan Product of the Year will be presented to a business with a focus in either the local and regional food market, and/or provide a premium ‘hand-crafted’ product.
An artisan product is typically crafted in small batches using traditional methods, high-quality ingredients, and a high level of skill. These products emphasise craftsmanship, authenticity, and attention to detail, often reflecting the maker’s personal touch or unique creative process. Artisan products prioritise quality over mass production and often highlight local or sustainably sourced ingredients.
The Bakery Product of the Year is open to Scottish food and drink companies whose bakery products or offerings are wholly or mainly produced, processed and packaged in Scotland, including but not limited to cakes, breads, pastries, biscuits, and baked snacks.
Entries should demonstrate excellence in flavour, texture, appearance, and overall eating quality. Judges will look for products that showcase strong technical skill, creativity, and high production standards – whether traditional or innovative in style. Products may come from small‑batch or larger‑scale production but must reflect exceptional bakery craftsmanship.
The Beer & Cider Product of the Year is open to Scottish food and drink companies whose products are wholly or mainly produced, processed and packaged in Scotland, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties. Entries may include traditional, craft, innovative, or contemporary styles of beer and cider across any format.
Products should demonstrate exceptional flavour, aroma, appearance, and overall drinking experience, supported by strong technical execution and production quality. Judges will consider factors such as craftsmanship, balance, innovation, and the effective expression of the product’s intended style.
The Dairy Product of the Year is open to Scottish food and drink companies whose dairy products or offerings are wholly or mainly produced, processed and packaged in Scotland, including but not limited to cheese, yoghurt, ice cream, butter, and milk.
Entries should highlight exceptional dairy quality, craftsmanship, and flavour, as well as consistency and technical excellence. Judges will consider how well the product showcases the characteristics of dairy as an ingredient – whether through traditional methods, innovative development, or a focus on provenance, animal welfare, or sustainable production practices.
The Distilling Product of the Year (Dark Spirits) is open to Scottish food and drink companies whose product is manufactured and bottled in Scotland, open to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties, and products using a dark spirit as the base of their product.
Products using NGS not made in Scotland are eligible, as long as a compounding process, or distillation has occurred in Scotland. Products made by contract are also eligible, if the above criteria apply.
The Distilling Product of the Year (White Spirits) is open to Scottish food and drink companies whose product is manufactured and bottled in Scotland, open to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties, and products using a light spirit as the base of their product.
Products using NGS not made in Scotland are eligible, as long as a compounding process, or distillation has occurred in Scotland. Products made by contract are also eligible, if the above criteria apply.
The Fish & Seafood Product of the Year is open to Scottish food and drink companies whose fish or seafood products or offerings are wholly or mainly produced, processed and packaged in Scotland, including but not limited to fresh, frozen, cured, preserved or prepared.
Entries should demonstrate outstanding quality, freshness, and flavour, as well as responsible sourcing and craftsmanship. Judges will consider innovation, technical execution, and the overall eating experience.
The Healthy or Free From Product of the Year will be presented to the business that has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing the most innovative/ground-breaking manufactured product, specifically designed to be free of one or more of the five main allergens: milk, gluten, eggs, nuts and soy OR to a product where the business has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing, incorporating and promoting good nutrition and healthier qualities into its product.
The Meat Product of the Year is open to Scottish food and drink companies whose meat products or offerings are wholly or mainly produced, processed and packaged in Scotland, including beef, lamb, pork, poultry, or game. Entries may include, but are not limited to, curries, pies, pâtés, and pure cuts.
Products should demonstrate exceptional flavour, tenderness, texture, and overall eating quality, supported by high production standards. Judges will look for evidence of excellent butchery, seasoning, curing, or processing techniques. Whether traditional or innovative, all entries must showcase high-quality meat and a clear commitment to responsible, skilled production.
The Scotch Brand Product of the Year recognises businesses in Scotland which are leading the way in producing top quality Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI or Specially Selected Pork products. For products to qualify for Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI or Specially Selected Pork they must be quality assured and, as part of this, have been sourced from cattle/lambs/pigs born, reared and processed in Scotland.
Products using Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI or Specially Selected Pork as an ingredient must contain a minimum meat content of 25%. Products should be wholly or mainly produced, processed and packaged in Scotland.
The Grocery Product of the Year is open to Scottish food and drink companies whose products or offerings are wholly or mainly produced, processed and packaged in Scotland, for retail or foodservice – including but not limited to confectionery, crisps and snacks, canned grocery, preserves, canned soup, dried herbs, spices, salt, sauces, condiments, dressings, pickles, oils, cereals, meal kits, cooking ingredients, convenience foods, squash, water, and hot beverages such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
The Artisan Product of the Year will be presented to a business with a focus in either the local and regional food market, and/or provide a premium ‘hand-crafted’ product.
An artisan product is typically crafted in small batches using traditional methods, high-quality ingredients, and a high level of skill. These products emphasise craftsmanship, authenticity, and attention to detail, often reflecting the maker’s personal touch or unique creative process. Artisan products prioritise quality over mass production and often highlight local or sustainably sourced ingredients.
The Bakery Product of the Year is open to Scottish food and drink companies whose bakery products or offerings are wholly or mainly produced, processed and packaged in Scotland, including but not limited to cakes, breads, pastries, biscuits, and baked snacks.
Entries should demonstrate excellence in flavour, texture, appearance, and overall eating quality. Judges will look for products that showcase strong technical skill, creativity, and high production standards – whether traditional or innovative in style. Products may come from small‑batch or larger‑scale production but must reflect exceptional bakery craftsmanship.
The Beer & Cider Product of the Year is open to Scottish food and drink companies whose products are wholly or mainly produced, processed and packaged in Scotland, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties. Entries may include traditional, craft, innovative, or contemporary styles of beer and cider across any format.
Products should demonstrate exceptional flavour, aroma, appearance, and overall drinking experience, supported by strong technical execution and production quality. Judges will consider factors such as craftsmanship, balance, innovation, and the effective expression of the product’s intended style.
The Dairy Product of the Year is open to Scottish food and drink companies whose dairy products or offerings are wholly or mainly produced, processed and packaged in Scotland, including but not limited to cheese, yoghurt, ice cream, butter, and milk.
Entries should highlight exceptional dairy quality, craftsmanship, and flavour, as well as consistency and technical excellence. Judges will consider how well the product showcases the characteristics of dairy as an ingredient – whether through traditional methods, innovative development, or a focus on provenance, animal welfare, or sustainable production practices.
The Distilling Product of the Year (Dark Spirits) is open to Scottish food and drink companies whose product is manufactured and bottled in Scotland, open to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties, and products using a dark spirit as the base of their product.
Products using NGS not made in Scotland are eligible, as long as a compounding process, or distillation has occurred in Scotland. Products made by contract are also eligible, if the above criteria apply.
The Distilling Product of the Year (White Spirits) is open to Scottish food and drink companies whose product is manufactured and bottled in Scotland, open to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties, and products using a light spirit as the base of their product.
Products using NGS not made in Scotland are eligible, as long as a compounding process, or distillation has occurred in Scotland. Products made by contract are also eligible, if the above criteria apply.
The Fish & Seafood Product of the Year is open to Scottish food and drink companies whose fish or seafood products or offerings are wholly or mainly produced, processed and packaged in Scotland, including but not limited to fresh, frozen, cured, preserved or prepared.
Entries should demonstrate outstanding quality, freshness, and flavour, as well as responsible sourcing and craftsmanship. Judges will consider innovation, technical execution, and the overall eating experience.
The Healthy or Free From Product of the Year will be presented to the business that has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing the most innovative/ground-breaking manufactured product, specifically designed to be free of one or more of the five main allergens: milk, gluten, eggs, nuts and soy OR to a product where the business has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing, incorporating and promoting good nutrition and healthier qualities into its product.
The Meat Product of the Year is open to Scottish food and drink companies whose meat products or offerings are wholly or mainly produced, processed and packaged in Scotland, including beef, lamb, pork, poultry, or game. Entries may include, but are not limited to, curries, pies, pâtés, and pure cuts.
Products should demonstrate exceptional flavour, tenderness, texture, and overall eating quality, supported by high production standards. Judges will look for evidence of excellent butchery, seasoning, curing, or processing techniques. Whether traditional or innovative, all entries must showcase high-quality meat and a clear commitment to responsible, skilled production.
The Scotch Brand Product of the Year recognises businesses in Scotland which are leading the way in producing top quality Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI or Specially Selected Pork products. For products to qualify for Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI or Specially Selected Pork they must be quality assured and, as part of this, have been sourced from cattle/lambs/pigs born, reared and processed in Scotland.
Products using Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI or Specially Selected Pork as an ingredient must contain a minimum meat content of 25%. Products should be wholly or mainly produced, processed and packaged in Scotland.
The Grocery Product of the Year is open to Scottish food and drink companies whose products or offerings are wholly or mainly produced, processed and packaged in Scotland, for retail or foodservice – including but not limited to confectionery, crisps and snacks, canned grocery, preserves, canned soup, dried herbs, spices, salt, sauces, condiments, dressings, pickles, oils, cereals, meal kits, cooking ingredients, convenience foods, squash, water, and hot beverages such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
Business Categories
Business entries are open to any business or individual operating within the food and drink supply chain in Scotland (manufacturer, producer, foodservice, retail or hospitality).
The Best for Scottish (Independent Business of the Year) is open to all independent retail, wholesale or foodservice businesses which place Scottish sourcing at the heart of their consumer experience and proudly promote Scottish provenance. For example, this may be a restaurant, bar, café, deli, visitor centre, market, festival, event or wholesale business.
The Award will be presented to the company who has a clear strategy for growth, understands its customers, has a passion for Scottish provenance and is able to reflect that a successful business recognises the value of strong relationships with its suppliers. The company must have 10 or fewer sites to enter this Award; if it has 11+ the business may enter the Best for Scottish (Multiple Business of the Year).
The Best for Scottish (Multiple Business of the Year) is open to all large-scale retail, wholesale or foodservice businesses (including contract caterers and restaurant/pub groups) which place Scottish sourcing at the heart of the consumer experience and proudly promote Scottish provenance.
This Award will be presented to the company which has a clear strategy for growth, understands its customers, has a passion for Scottish provenance and is able to reflect that a successful business recognises the value of strong relationships with its suppliers. The company must have 11+ sites to enter this Award; if it has less than this, the business may enter the Best for Scottish (Independent Business of the Year).
The Business Innovation of the Year is open to businesses in the food and drink sector that have demonstrated innovative solutions, products, or processes that enhance efficiency, sustainability, or customer experience, setting new standards for the industry.
Activities should have taken place between January 2024 and January 2026. The award will be presented to the business that demonstrates how its innovation has contributed to long term business growth, industry advancement and societal benefit as well as how it has become embedded within the organisation.
The Employer of the Year recognises businesses that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to inspiring, supporting, and motivating their people in the face of ongoing challenges. This award celebrates employers who have fostered a strong workplace culture, prioritised employee well-being and development, and built a resilient and positive employer brand in an ever-evolving business landscape.
This award aims to shine a spotlight on innovation and creativity developed in recent years that will leave a lasting legacy on our sector, helping to attract the next generation of talented employees.
The overall judging will consider how investing in people through health and wellbeing, skills and training, and diversity and inclusion initiatives have made a positive contribution to the company, industry and society. The judges will also be looking for how well the initiative(s) have been embedded in the organisation, and will expect quantifiable evidence of this throughout.
The future of the food and drink industry depends on inspiring the next generation. The Young Talent the Year aims to recognise the achievements of young people in the sector and give companies an opportunity to demonstrate the investment they make in their workforce.
This award will be presented to entrants between the ages of 16 and 30 who demonstrate the greatest skill in their chosen sector of the food and drink industry and can represent the industry positively (applicants must be 30 or under on 1 September 2026). Entrants can be involved in manufacturing, retailing, or any sector directly linked to the food and drink industry.
Finalists will be invited to interview w/c 16 July with the panel of judges. Interview questions will be sent ahead of time to each finalist.
Does your company place sustainability at its core? Have you implemented a leading sustainability initiative that’s reduced your company’s impact on the environment? What we eat, where our food comes from, how it’s produced and packaged, and how much food we waste are significant drivers of global climate change.
We believe Scotland’s food and drink industry must aspire to be a model for others to follow; a global leader in climate-friendly food production. Scotland has already set world leading targets for emissions reduction; our food and drink industry must be world-leading too. This award seeks to showcase the leaders and the innovators rising to this generational challenge and the opportunities it brings.
Businesses should demonstrate how they are approaching sustainability throughout their business practices and values. Examples provided should be measurable and demonstrate change across the past two business years (2024-2026 inclusive).
The Food Tourism Business of the Year recognises businesses that demonstrate excellence in delivering food or drink experiences. Food tourism, by definition, is the enjoyment of food and drink-based experiences where a person learns about, appreciates, or consumes food and drink that reflects the history, heritage and culture of a place. This includes the active pursuit of unique and memorable eating and drinking experiences, encompassing everything from trying local food at a restaurant or café to visiting a whisky distillery or going on a beer trail. It also includes everything from attending a food festival, street food or agricultural event to taking a cookery class and visiting a farm or orchard, as well as agritourism activities that connect what is being produced in an area to what is being prepared, served and enjoyed by locals.
Open to all sizes of business, this category celebrates those creating unique and memorable visitor experiences that showcase Scotland’s food, drink, and culinary heritage.
Entrants should provide tangible evidence of their impact, including approach to local/Scottish sourcing, visitor feedback, business growth, and contributions to Scotland’s food and drink reputation. Businesses must be online and bookable, or in the process of developing these aspects.
Activities included within the entry form must have been undertaken between January 2024 and January 2026.
The Business Innovation of the Year is open to businesses in the food and drink sector that have demonstrated innovative solutions, products, or processes that enhance efficiency, sustainability, or customer experience, setting new standards for the industry.
Activities should have taken place between January 2024 and January 2026. The Award will be presented to the business that demonstrates how its innovation has contributed to long term business growth, industry advancement and societal benefit as well as how it has become embedded within the organisation.
The Organic Business of the Year recognises individuals, businesses, or organisations that have made a significant impact in promoting and supporting organic production and consumption. This award celebrates those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and a strong commitment to making organic more accessible and understood.
Entrants should showcase how they have championed organic within their business, supply network or community, and how they have effectively communicated the benefits of organic to a wider audience. Judges will be looking for evidence of positive impact, creative solutions to challenges, and a clear vision for the future of organic.
The Food & Drink Campaign of the Year award recognises an outstanding marketing, PR, or brand campaign within the food and drink sector that has successfully engaged audiences, driven awareness, and delivered a measurable impact with the intended target audience(s).
A campaign is defined as one or a series of activities to promote a specific event or product across multiple media channels, including but not limited to PR, marketing, radio & print media.
Open to food and drink companies of all sizes, this category celebrates campaigns that have effectively told a compelling story, used creative or innovative ways to tell that story and made an impact.
Entrants should be food and drink producers (not agencies) and must provide tangible evidence of the campaign’s impact, including creative approach, strategic execution, and measurable results that demonstrate the campaign’s success.
Campaigns must have been undertaken between January 2024 and January 2026.
The Growth Business of the Year is open to businesses in the food and drink sector that have demonstrate tangible and measurable growth between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2025. Businesses entering this category must have been established prior to 2021 and be in operation for over five years by 31 March 2026.
Judges will look for businesses that demonstrate outstanding and sustainable growth over the qualifying period. Entrants should clearly evidence how strategic decisions, innovation, investment and leadership have contributed to measurable success.
Entrants should show clear, measurable growth in areas such as, but not limited to, revenue increase year-on-year, market growth, customer growth, an increase in export sales or entry into new markets, and increased productivity.
The Best for Scottish (Independent Business of the Year) is open to all independent retail, wholesale or foodservice businesses which place Scottish sourcing at the heart of their consumer experience and proudly promote Scottish provenance. For example, this may be a restaurant, bar, café, deli, visitor centre, market, festival, event or wholesale business.
The Award will be presented to the company who has a clear strategy for growth, understands its customers, has a passion for Scottish provenance and is able to reflect that a successful business recognises the value of strong relationships with its suppliers. The company must have 10 or fewer sites to enter this Award; if it has 11+ the business may enter the Best for Scottish (Multiple Business of the Year).
The Best for Scottish (Multiple Business of the Year) is open to all large-scale retail, wholesale or foodservice businesses (including contract caterers and restaurant/pub groups) which place Scottish sourcing at the heart of the consumer experience and proudly promote Scottish provenance.
This Award will be presented to the company which has a clear strategy for growth, understands its customers, has a passion for Scottish provenance and is able to reflect that a successful business recognises the value of strong relationships with its suppliers. The company must have 11+ sites to enter this Award; if it has less than this, the business may enter the Best for Scottish (Independent Business of the Year).
The Business Innovation of the Year is open to businesses in the food and drink sector that have demonstrated innovative solutions, products, or processes that enhance efficiency, sustainability, or customer experience, setting new standards for the industry.
Activities should have taken place between January 2024 and January 2026. The award will be presented to the business that demonstrates how its innovation has contributed to long term business growth, industry advancement and societal benefit as well as how it has become embedded within the organisation.
The Employer of the Year recognises businesses that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to inspiring, supporting, and motivating their people in the face of ongoing challenges. This award celebrates employers who have fostered a strong workplace culture, prioritised employee well-being and development, and built a resilient and positive employer brand in an ever-evolving business landscape.
This award aims to shine a spotlight on innovation and creativity developed in recent years that will leave a lasting legacy on our sector, helping to attract the next generation of talented employees.
The overall judging will consider how investing in people through health and wellbeing, skills and training, and diversity and inclusion initiatives have made a positive contribution to the company, industry and society. The judges will also be looking for how well the initiative(s) have been embedded in the organisation, and will expect quantifiable evidence of this throughout.
The future of the food and drink industry depends on inspiring the next generation. The Young Talent the Year aims to recognise the achievements of young people in the sector and give companies an opportunity to demonstrate the investment they make in their workforce.
This award will be presented to entrants between the ages of 16 and 30 who demonstrate the greatest skill in their chosen sector of the food and drink industry and can represent the industry positively (applicants must be 30 or under on 1 September 2026). Entrants can be involved in manufacturing, retailing, or any sector directly linked to the food and drink industry.
Finalists will be invited to interview w/c 16 July with the panel of judges. Interview questions will be sent ahead of time to each finalist.
Does your company place sustainability at its core? Have you implemented a leading sustainability initiative that’s reduced your company’s impact on the environment? What we eat, where our food comes from, how it’s produced and packaged, and how much food we waste are significant drivers of global climate change.
We believe Scotland’s food and drink industry must aspire to be a model for others to follow; a global leader in climate-friendly food production. Scotland has already set world leading targets for emissions reduction; our food and drink industry must be world-leading too. This award seeks to showcase the leaders and the innovators rising to this generational challenge and the opportunities it brings.
Businesses should demonstrate how they are approaching sustainability throughout their business practices and values. Examples provided should be measurable and demonstrate change across the past two business years (2024-2026 inclusive).
The Food Tourism Business of the Year recognises businesses that demonstrate excellence in delivering food or drink experiences. Food tourism, by definition, is the enjoyment of food and drink-based experiences where a person learns about, appreciates, or consumes food and drink that reflects the history, heritage and culture of a place. This includes the active pursuit of unique and memorable eating and drinking experiences, encompassing everything from trying local food at a restaurant or café to visiting a whisky distillery or going on a beer trail. It also includes everything from attending a food festival, street food or agricultural event to taking a cookery class and visiting a farm or orchard, as well as agritourism activities that connect what is being produced in an area to what is being prepared, served and enjoyed by locals.
Open to all sizes of business, this category celebrates those creating unique and memorable visitor experiences that showcase Scotland’s food, drink, and culinary heritage.
Entrants should provide tangible evidence of their impact, including approach to local/Scottish sourcing, visitor feedback, business growth, and contributions to Scotland’s food and drink reputation. Businesses must be online and bookable, or in the process of developing these aspects.
Activities included within the entry form must have been undertaken between January 2024 and January 2026.
The Business Innovation of the Year is open to businesses in the food and drink sector that have demonstrated innovative solutions, products, or processes that enhance efficiency, sustainability, or customer experience, setting new standards for the industry.
Activities should have taken place between January 2024 and January 2026. The Award will be presented to the business that demonstrates how its innovation has contributed to long term business growth, industry advancement and societal benefit as well as how it has become embedded within the organisation.
The Organic Business of the Year recognises individuals, businesses, or organisations that have made a significant impact in promoting and supporting organic production and consumption. This award celebrates those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and a strong commitment to making organic more accessible and understood.
Entrants should showcase how they have championed organic within their business, supply network or community, and how they have effectively communicated the benefits of organic to a wider audience. Judges will be looking for evidence of positive impact, creative solutions to challenges, and a clear vision for the future of organic.
The Food & Drink Campaign of the Year award recognises an outstanding marketing, PR, or brand campaign within the food and drink sector that has successfully engaged audiences, driven awareness, and delivered a measurable impact with the intended target audience(s).
A campaign is defined as one or a series of activities to promote a specific event or product across multiple media channels, including but not limited to PR, marketing, radio & print media.
Open to food and drink companies of all sizes, this category celebrates campaigns that have effectively told a compelling story, used creative or innovative ways to tell that story and made an impact.
Entrants should be food and drink producers (not agencies) and must provide tangible evidence of the campaign’s impact, including creative approach, strategic execution, and measurable results that demonstrate the campaign’s success.
Campaigns must have been undertaken between January 2024 and January 2026.
The Growth Business of the Year is open to businesses in the food and drink sector that have demonstrate tangible and measurable growth between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2025. Businesses entering this category must have been established prior to 2021 and be in operation for over five years by 31 March 2026.
Judges will look for businesses that demonstrate outstanding and sustainable growth over the qualifying period. Entrants should clearly evidence how strategic decisions, innovation, investment and leadership have contributed to measurable success.
Entrants should show clear, measurable growth in areas such as, but not limited to, revenue increase year-on-year, market growth, customer growth, an increase in export sales or entry into new markets, and increased productivity.
Useful Information for 2026 Entrants
Entries must be submitted by Wednesday, 6 May, and you do not have to be a member of Scotland Food & Drink to enter.
Cost
- Members (Applicable Tiers) - £50+VAT per entry
- Standard - £80+VAT per entry
We accept payment online at the time of entry. Award entry fees are non-refundable.
Finalists are entitled to two discounted tickets for the award ceremony and are required to send at least one representative to the event.
The Excellence Awards 2025
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