Judging Process 2026
Entries will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts. The judging panel is made up of decision-making buyers, influencers and chefs from across the food and drink sector. Bringing real commercial edge and years of industry experience, over the years we have had some fantastic judges at The Excellence Awards.
In tasted categories all products are prepared for the judges by qualified chefs. Tasted products can be for either the foodservice or the retail market, and will be judged within the relevant context.
Find out more about this year's expert judging panel below.
Sean Murphy
Reach PLC
Sean Murphy is the Food, Drink and Scottish Tourism Writer for the Daily Record. A keen fan of whisky and gin, he writes extensively about the best things Scotland has to offer, including what to eat and drink and where to go when visiting this wonderful country.
Nikki Castley
Commercial Manager, The Cress Co & Adamsons Drinks
Nikki Castley is Commercial Manager for The Cress Co and Adamsons Drinks, with more than 15 years’ experience in the food and drink sector. Since joining The Cress Co in 2012, she has developed and grown the buying and purchasing teams, and helped expand product ranges and distribution so customers can find The Cress Co and Adamsons Drinks products in more places than ever.
Enhancing The Cress Co brand and increasing market awareness have been central to her role, and she is proud to have contributed to the company being voted No. 1 Distributor in the UK by Fine Food Digest readers since 2017 – a recognition she sees as a true testament to the team’s dedication and hard work.
Nicky Craig
General Manager, Panda & Sons
With over 20 years of experience across multiple facets of hospitality both in the UK and internationally, Nicky Craig (he/him) has led Panda & Sons for nearly eight years. Beginning his career in kitchens before moving into bartending at 18, Nicky’s background includes opening a bar in Malaysia and serving as venue manager of a high-volume cocktail bar in Melbourne, giving him a broad perspective shaped by diverse cultures and operating styles.
In recent years, Nicky has worked closely with world-renowned bartender Iain McPherson, playing a pivotal role in Panda & Sons’ continued international success. These achievements include multiple rankings in The World’s 50 Best Bars, winning World’s Best Cocktail Menu and Best International Bar Team at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, Best Bar in Scotland at the Class Awards 2025, and a No. 2 ranking in the UK Top 50 Bars 2025.
With a strong passion for sharing knowledge – and a particular love for agave spirits and whisky – he is dedicated to creating open, positive spaces where skills can be developed and refined.
Kevin Buchan
Retail Operations Optimisation, Aldi
Kevin Buchan is a highly experienced retail commercial professional with a strong track record in food and drink, having previously held the role of Range Manager for Devolved Nations within a major grocery retail environment. In this role, Kevin played a pivotal part in shaping the overall business strategy for devolved markets, with a particular focus on Scotland, ensuring retail propositions were relevant, distinctive, and aligned to local customer needs.
Kevin’s role encompassed category performance, pricing, supplier engagement, and commercial planning, requiring a careful balance between customer relevance, quality, and commercial viability. He partnered with a diverse mix of food and drink producers – from established national brands to emerging Scottish suppliers – evaluating propositions on product integrity, provenance, taste, packaging, and their ability to perform and scale within a fast-paced retail environment.
Through this experience, Kevin developed deep insight into how regional food and drink propositions move from concept to shelf, and how factors such as customer expectations, promotional effectiveness, operational execution, and commercial discipline drive long‑term success. He brings a strong understanding of the importance of cohesive strategy, clear brand storytelling, and consistency of delivery when assessing food and drink businesses.
Rhuaridh Paul
Specialist Spirits Buyer, Dunns Food and Drinks
Rhuaridh is currently the Specialist Spirits Buyer at Dunns Food and Drinks, whilst also working as part of the bar team at award-winning cocktail bar The Absent Ear since opening in 2021.
Rhuaridh’s industry experience spans over 16 years in spirits/cocktail-focused hospitality and four years in spirits sales and advocacy roles. He originally studied journalism at university with an aim to go into food and drinks sector before being lured into the late-night debauchery of Glasgow’s fantastic on-trade.
Stuart Auld
Filshill
Stuart has worked in the FMCG sector for over 25 years, building experience across both sales and purchasing roles. Over that time, Stuart has developed a strong commercial understanding of what drives product success – working across key categories including food, soft drinks, and confectionery.
Stuart has operated at a senior level across sales and purchasing, working closely with multinational brands as well as major UK retailers and discount chains across the UK and Europe. This has given him a broad perspective on product development, positioning, and what resonates with both buyers and consumers in competitive markets.
While Stuart's background isn’t specifically in brewing or distilling, he brings a commercially focused lens to the category – looking at quality, consistency, branding, and overall market appeal.
Alana Johnstone
Head of Sales Scotland, Caterite
Alana Johnstone is the Head of Sales Scotland at Caterite, with over 15 years’ experience across the food and hospitality industry. Beginning her career as a professional yacht chef, Alana spent five years travelling across the world catering to high end clientele. She has also completed stages within Michelin starred kitchens in Edinburgh, further developing her passion for quality ingredients and exceptional dining experiences.
Following her time as a chef, Alana spent nine years working as a Regional Sales Manager for a fine foods company, supplying and supporting Scotland’s food and hospitality industry, before joining Caterite as Head of Sales Scotland. Passionate about Scottish produce and the strength of the local hospitality sector, Alana brings a wealth of industry experience and knowledge to the judging panel.
Ashley Connolly
Local Buying Manager, Asda Scotland
Ashley Connolly is a passionate advocate for local sourcing, working as the Local Buying Manager for Asda in Scotland. She has leveraged her expertise to champion local businesses, fostering a symbiotic relationship between Asda and Scottish producers. Ashley’s experience was honed during her tenure at Tesco, Next, and Sterling Home, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the retail supply chain
At the National Trust for Scotland, she cultivated an appreciation for Scottish heritage, fuelling her dedication to local sourcing. Ashley's commitment underscores her mission; to promote sustainable, homegrown produce within the Scottish Asda network.
Caroline Lamont
Director of Culinary Education, Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy
With a degree in Hospitality Management and a Master’s in Gastronomy, Caroline brings decades of experience in hospitality and food education. After 10 years as a hotel manager and more than 20 years as a hotel partner, Caroline has worked internationally in luxury safari lodges, ski chalets, and bespoke cookery holidays throughout Europe.
Trained as a chef at Leiths School of Food and Wine in London, Caroline later worked as a freelance chef and teacher with high-end catering companies before joining Leiths as a full-time teacher. Now. a fully qualified Home Economics teacher and Director of Culinary Education at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, Caroline combines industry expertise with a passion for teaching and sharing her experiences and knowledge with future chefs and hospitality professionals.
Passionate about both food and education, Caroline is deeply committed to inspiring curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the kitchen. With a strong belief in the power of food education, she is committed to nurturing the next generation, encouraging lifelong learning and equipping students with the skills and confidence to enrich their lives and build meaningful careers.
Dave Gannon
Retail Lead, CalMac
Dave Gannon has been in the food and drink industry for the past 25 years, starting as a chef in the French ski resort of Chamonix and working in various roles since, from product development, sales and marketing to brand building.
With CalMac for the past five years, he now heads up the onboard and shoreside retail offer. He is positive and enthusiastic and really enjoys working with many local and larger suppliers to help deliver our excellent customer experience.
David Lilley
W Hotel
David Lilley is a renowned chef with a distinguished career in the hospitality industry. He has held various senior positions, including executive sous chef and head pastry chef, at prestigious establishments such as Cameron House Resort and The Peat Inn. His expertise lies in creating innovative and high-quality dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients and refined presentation.
Lilley is passionate about mentoring teams and delivering exceptional dining experiences. He is also actively involved in supporting the Scottish Culinary Team and preparing for culinary competitions. His commitment to excellence and culinary innovation has made him a respected figure in the culinary world.
Jill Sutherland
Local Sourcing Buying Manager, Tesco Scotland
Jill has worked across retail, sales and buying for 25 years, initially joining the John Lewis Partnership graduate scheme then moving to sales within the UK drinks industry before moving into food, first with Border Biscuits, and then moving to buying when she joined Tesco in 2016.
Now with a remit for buying Scotland’s Local Fresh Range she works closely with the leading suppliers in Scotland to ensure Tesco has the optimum Local Scottish Range.
Joanne Burns
Reformulation for Health Manager, Food and Drink Federation Scotland
Joanne has over 25 years’ experience in the food industry and has a wealth of public health, nutrition and food industry experience. Since 2019 Joanne has developed and driven the Reformulation for Health programme to be a go-to voice in the Scottish food and drink sector, offering free support and guidance to all sectors of the food industry on product reformulation for health.
Since the programme's launch, Joanne has worked to raise the profile of reformulation across Scotland’s food industry and has developed a range of support projects to assist food and drink manufacturers to make commonly consumed products healthier. Through collaboration across the whole food system she has successfully driven engagement, raised awareness of reformulation, and created solutions to common reformulation challenges.
Joanne works closely with food businesses to develop their reformulation action plan, holistically benchmarking products against UK nutritional targets, working to meet mandatory and voluntary health targets (including upcoming HFSS regulations), and drives collaboration across Scotland’s whole food system via the Reformul8 Partnership.
John Fleming
Managing Director, Thomas Franks
John joined Thomas Franks in early 2025, bringing with him over 20 years’ knowledge and experience in national and international stadia, high-volume event catering, Michelin-starred restaurants and 5-star hotels. John is shaping a new long-term strategic vision for Thomas Franks Scotland.
Holding previous roles as Head of Culinary for Aramark UK and Head of Food for BaxterStorey Scotland, John has a personal vision to regenerate Scotland's hospitality industry by influencing positive change on hospitality investment and development, while championing the next generation of talent within the industry and promoting the very best of Scottish, seasonal, local and sustainable produce and suppliers.
John’s previous experience includes preferred caterer of choice for the Royal Family in Scotland and Executive Chef at the BBC and Scottish Events Campus, catering for over two million guests per year. John also brings a fantastic reputation in stadia, previously operating in Camp Nou, San Mames, Manchester City, Ibrox, Aberdeen FC and as chef consultant for the Qatar FIFA World Cup in 2022.
Kevin Macgilivray
Culinary Business Development Manager, Lomond Foods
Kevin is a Culinary Business Development Manager with Lomond Foods, and enjoys the opportunity to get to know and experience all the Scottish products that are supplied into the business. Kevin’s passion has always been food and competitive cooking, and in his spare time he is the CEO of Scottish Chefs.
Kevin has been fortunate to compete with, captain, and manage the Scottish Culinary Team. One of his most rewarding achievements was being part of the team that secured double gold at the Culinary World Cup, alongside numerous other individual awards and accolades, including Scottish Chef of the Year.
Kevin champions working with and supporting the up-and-coming young talent within the industry and highlights it as key to progressing the industry.
Michael Croy
Scottish Development Chef, Brakes Scotland
Scottish Development Chef at Brakes Scotland, Michael Croy has over 26 years’ experience across hotels, restaurants and education. Working with some of the wholesaler's most prestigious hotel, restaurant and pub group customers, Michael assists with all aspects of food and menu development.
Paul Hart
Executive Chef, The Balmoral
Paul Hart is Executive Chef at The Balmoral in Edinburgh, bringing more than 28 years of experience across leading hotels and acclaimed restaurants. He joined from Gleneagles, where he served as Culinary Development Partner, and previously held the role of Executive Head Chef at The Scotsman Hotel. His career includes time in top kitchens such as the Michelin-starred Moody Goose in Bath, and Cringletie House Hotel, while earning three AA Rosettes as Head Chef at The Old Course Hotel’s à la carte restaurant.
Having risen through both standalone restaurants and large-scale hotel operations, Paul is known for his versatility and commitment to developing culinary talent. At The Balmoral, he oversees all food operations, leading a team of more than 50 chefs and shaping a diverse dining portfolio – from fine dining to banqueting and in-room experiences.
Passionate about provenance, Hart champions seasonal, locally-sourced Scottish produce and aims to deliver imaginative, memorable dining. His leadership focuses on nurturing his team, strengthening supplier relationships, and building on the hotel’s reputation as a cornerstone of Scotland’s culinary scene.
Stephen Frost
Regional Executive Chef, Sodexo Live!
As Regional Executive Chef of Sodexo Live!, Stephen Frost lends his commercial experience and culinary expertise across Sodexo's entire Scotland portfolio. His career in catering spans 53 years, with 20 of those years with Heritage Portfolio as of 2026.
Stephen’s core role is multi-faceted – mentoring and development of chef teams; sourcing outstanding produce (with a focus on local food, ethical and sustainable sourcing); delivering quality and driving the business; reviewing and developing food offers to meet and exceed client expectations – and his influence spans the whole cultural destination and sports estate in Scotland.
Stuart Fraser
Head of Sales, Williamson Foodservice
As Head of Sales at Inverness-based Williamson Foodservice, Stuart Fraser is an integral part of their senior management team. His experience spans a 15-year long food and drink career that includes spells with recognised foodservice businesses in the Central Belt, too.
Prior to his current sales role, Stuart gained experience in wholesale food and drink procurement, buying a wide variety of goods from many of the UK’s foremost food and drink suppliers. He also has an advanced knowledge of the UK’s cheese sector, and recently complemented this by expanding his understanding of wine by achieving the Level 1 WSET programme – the world’s leading provider of drinks education. In his life outside work, Stuart enjoys new dining experiences as well furthering his passion for whisky.
Derek Leslie
Consultant
Derek has over 35 years’ experience in finance and operations including 15 years as a Director of Finance in large and diverse organisations.
Derek has worked across multiple sectors, including food and drink, scientific research, manufacturing, healthcare, consultancy, FMCG, hotels tourism and leisure, financial services, and oil and gas. He has significant focus / experience in the food and drink sector, including spirits (Edrington, Diageo) seafood processing and meat production, including CFO / COO roles.
Derek is experienced in working with a range of boards, owners and stakeholders, including private equity and angel investment, and has had board level responsibility for +20 years.
Derek has supported local businesses, many of which were in the food and drink sector, as an Expert Advisor for Business Gateway clients across Scotland over the last 10 years.
Kirsty Lees
Co-founder, Run it Cool
With a background in design for manufacture, Kirsty has spent the past nine years building experience in the temperature-controlled logistics sector.
Six years ago, Kirsty co-founded a temperature-controlled courier company alongside her colleagues, growing it from the ground up into a trusted and expanding business. As a female-founded company where the original founders remain actively involved, we take a hands-on approach to both operations and strategic growth.
Through this journey, Kirsty has developed a clear understanding of what it takes to scale a business sustainably — from managing growth challenges to building strong client relationships. Kirsty is pleased to bring this experience to the judging panel, particularly for the Growth Business of the Year category.
Tracy Cameron
Head of Membership & Commercial, Scotland Food & Drink
As Head of Membership & Commercial at Scotland Food & Drink, Tracy Cameron helps food and drink businesses grow, collaborate, and gain exposure on both a domestic and global stage. Leading a team of business development professionals based around the country, Tracy engages with existing and potential members, as well as the wider sector to support and champion the people and products of Scotland’s food and drink industry.
Iain Clunie
Programme Director, Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Net Zero Commitment
Iain Clunie is the Programme Director for the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Net Zero Commitment, hosted by Food & Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland. Through the programme, his aim is to ensure every Scottish food and drink business has an understanding of what Net Zero means for them, and are aware of the fundamental steps they need to take to achieve it by the 2045 target.
With more than 35 years’, Iain’s prior role was the manager of food systems and bioeconomy for Zero Waste Scotland, leading a team to reduce food waste throughout the supply chain. At the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Net Zero Commitment, Iain’s role includes being a key interface between policy makers, politicians, regulators, and stakeholders, advocating for a sustainable food and drink industry in Scotland and beyond.
Ali Campbell-Birke
Eyebright
Ali is a Chartered Accountant and sustainability professional with a decade of experience spanning financial audit, sustainability reporting, and sustainable finance. He recently joined eyebright to help shape and build out its sustainability offering, supporting businesses across Europe balance the commercial viability of net zero with regulatory and market expectations.
Prior to this, Ali served as a Director of Sustainability Accounting at Standard Chartered Bank, where he focused on integrating sustainability into the bank’s strategy and financial decision-making. This was through engagement with the bank’s industrial and infrastructure client base to decarbonise their own operations with relevant sustainability initiatives in line with the bank’s transition targets.
He combines deep technical accounting expertise with ESG strategy and financial insight having spent eight years with KPMG UK before this, where he worked on clients across the ESG reporting and ESG transaction services departments. His work spanned sustainability disclosures, assurance, and advising clients on ESG considerations in private equity transactions, with a strong emphasis on aligning financial and non-financial reporting.
Ylva Haglund
Head of Sustainability & Communications, Scottish Wholesale Association
Ylva Haglund is the Head of Sustainability & Communications at the Scottish Wholesale Association, the trade body representing Scotland’s food and drink wholesale sector.
With twenty years’ experience across the charity, public, and business sectors, Ylva has built her career around environmental communications, circular economy, and sustainable food systems — including more than a decade dedicated to food waste reduction. She previously served as Food Waste Campaigns Manager at Zero Waste Scotland, where she led campaigns and behaviour change interventions to tackle household food waste.
Recently, she also served as an expert on the European Commission’s Consumer Food Waste Forum, collaborating with researchers and practitioners to develop practical solutions to reduce food waste across Europe. She is the Vice Chair of FEL Scotland, a climate action charity delivering collaborative environmental and social projects.
Marion MacCormick
Co-owner, Aldomak
Marion is a seasonal advocate of all things Scottish. Marion worked for Aldi Scotland for nearly 20 years, and is passionate about the food and drink sector, and has been involved in much policy consultations in this area over the years.
Currently a member of the SAOS and RHET boards, she also chairs the Scottish Pig Producers leadership group from her experience in red meat procurement. Marion co-owns the confectionery business Aldomak in Glasgow and is the chair to Growers Garden in Cupar, but is known to spend as much time as possible on the west coast in spite of the weather!
Donna Fordyce
CEO, Seafood Scotland
Donna Fordyce, Chief Executive Officer of Seafood Scotland, has played a crucial role in shaping the Scottish seafood sector, advocating for growth, international trade, and diversity within the industry. Her journey from economic development to leading one of Scotland’s most vital trade marketing bodies showcases her deep commitment and adaptability in the face of challenges.
Before taking the helm at Seafood Scotland, Donna spent over 20 years working in economic development, fostering business growth and international trade in both the public and private sectors.
Moira Stalker
Skills Manager, FDF Scotland
Moira is the Skills Manager at FDF Scotland, playing a key role in advancing the people and skills mission as part of the Scotland Food & Drink Industry Strategy. In this role, she has collaborated with industry leaders, partners, and stakeholders to position the food and drink sector as a career destination of choice.
From working with educators and students on hands-on activities to developing and delivering national campaigns such as #AFutureinFood, Moira has been instrumental in promoting opportunities within the industry and engaging support for this activity.
Eilidh Wynd
National Account Manager, Simon Howies
Eilidh is the National Account Manager for Simon Howie Foods, and it’s no secret to anyone that she loves her job.
Eilidh was fortunate enough to win the Young Talent Award in 2024 and is honoured to be returning as a judge for the category two years on.
Jeni Adamson
Industry Engagement Manager, Seafood Scotland
Jeni Adamson is Industry Engagement Manager at Seafood Scotland, where she works to strengthen connections between the seafood sector, education and communities. She leads the organisation’s Seafood in Schools programme, helping young people better understand seafood as a healthy, sustainable food and highlighting the wide range of careers available across Scotland’s blue economy.
Alongside this work, Jeni is actively involved in a number of industry skills and workforce groups, supporting initiatives that encourage new entrants and develop future talent across the seafood supply chain. She works closely with partners across education, government and industry to help build clear pathways into the sector and raise awareness of the opportunities it offers.
Passionate about storytelling, collaboration and championing people across the sector, Jeni brings a strong perspective on skills, careers and the importance of supporting young talent to thrive within Scotland’s food and drink industry.
Stephanie Pritchard
Head of Customer Relations & Markets, Scotland Food & Drink
Steph has worked in the food and drink sector for 35 years and currently leads the market development programme at Scotland Food & Drink. She has worked with all the major retailers, wholesalers and across foodservice - for SME’s and global brand manufacturers, and in her role delivering growth opportunities for Scottish food and drink. She also manages The Academy: a supplier training programme that offers support and commercial tools to ambitious businesses ready to scale in their chosen markets.
Steph understands the impact that a strong local sourcing strategy can have - from inspiring shoppers and consumers, supporting manufacturers and suppliers, and driving sales for customers - ultimately, helping to deliver sustainable growth for the Scottish food and drink economy.
Gary McDonald
Senior Market Development Manager, Opportunity North East
Senior Market Development Manager within the Food, Drink and Agriculture team at Opportunity North East helping food and drink businesses across the north east of Scotland.
Gary supports ambitious food and drink businesses to identify, engage, and access new routes to market for their world class products across Scotland, the UK and internationally. Gary has a real passion for seeing companies emerge and grow their products and ideas out with the region, and realise their ambition and seeing their products, and the north east region/Scotland, being represented and sold across the globe.
Tom Gibson
Director of Business Development, Quality Meat Scotland
Tom is Director of Business Development at Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). Tom’s role supports the end-to end red meat supply chain in Scotland. This includes agricultural industry development, the Monitor Farm Scotland programme, and animal health and welfare, and genetics projects.
Post farmgate responsibilities include engaging with processors, wholesalers, retailers, Scottish Government and export development work. Previous to joining QMS, Tom spent 25 years in retail with responsibilities for marketing, promotion planning, managing local sourcing projects and systems analysis and development.
Fiona Richmond
Head of Regional Food, Scotland Food & Drink
Fiona Richmond has been actively promoting and supporting quality food and drink production for more than 18 years, working with industry leadership organisation Scotland Food & Drink since 2009, managing various projects across food tourism, regional food development, foodservice and major events.
Fiona was named one of the UK's top 20 icons of the industry by Speciality & Fine Food magazine 2019, she previously worked with the Slow Food movement, including a period in the international headquarters in Italy. She is a board member of Guest Les Dames D'Escoffier London, a branch of the international philanthropic association of leading women in the world of food, drink and hospitality. Fiona was also named one of the Top 100 Women in Tourism and The Scottish Women’s Awards Best Professional in Business 2022.
Lauren Pirnie
Tourism Sector Development Manager, VisitScotland
Lauren Pirnie is a Tourism Sector Development Manager at VisitScotland. With 18 years of experience in the tourism industry, Lauren has a diverse professional background, having held roles previously in Business Tourism, Industry Engagement and for more than 12 years, marketing from a regional, national, and international perspective. Laterally Lauren was responsible for the delivery of consumer marketing campaigns in partnership with local authorities and DMOs, as well as supporting core VisitScotland marketing campaigns in Scotland, UK, US and Canada. As part of the Destinations and Sectors Development team, Lauren champions the importance of food tourism and supports the food and drink sector to grow responsibly to benefit both individual businesses and the wider visitor economy, while meeting the needs of visitors.
Alastair Dobson
Managing Director, Arran Dairies and Taste of Arran
Alastair Dobson came from a farming background and studied agriculture at West of Scotland Agricultural College, Ayr.
Having cut his teeth selling Scotch Beef and Lamb, he returned to the family business in the mid-eighties to help establish Arran Dairies where he is now Managing Director. He is also Managing Director of Taste of Arran Ltd. Arran Dairies Ltd is a manufacturing dairy business that also has a wholesaling division which wholesales all catering supplies to hospitality and catering businesses based on the Isle of Arran.
Manufactured products include premium dairy ice cream which is sold throughout the UK by Alastair’s other business, Taste of Arran. Taste of Arran is a collaborative business primarily manufacturing, promoting, selling and distributing food and drink from 10 SME food companies on the Isle of Arran throughout the UK and abroad.
Alastair was founding chairman of VisitArran and a founding member of the Arran Economic Group, with an aim to celebrate and develop community and place and to help develop, protect and share the benefits of Arran’s fantastic cultural and diverse landscapes.
He is also currently voluntary chair of the Ayrshire Economic Strategy Delivery Group, other current and past board appointments include, Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Board, North Ayrshire Economic Development and Regeneration Board, Arran Economic Group, VisitArran, Scottish Food Tourism Strategic Board, Scottish Tourism National Recovery Board, and OECD Rural Innovation World Panel.
Jamie Buchanan
Go Local Project Director, Scottish Grocers' Federation (SGF)
Jamie has spent 39 years at senior management and director level in foodservices, cash and carry, wholesale, and retail channels in Scotland, spending his early years in the licensed department in a cash and carry supplying on and off trade customers, before taking control of the delivered wholesale business covering Scotland and northern England.
In 2000, Jamie moved into retail, taking control of 46 SPAR retail stores, and over the following 16 years grew the estate to 118 stores, during that time working closely with SPAR national and international teams to deliver a number of award winning “stores of the future”, designed to meet changing consumer demands and driving innovation in the sector. As well as managing an extensive retail estate, store design, layout, product ranging, merchandising, and stock control have also fallen under his remit.
Overlapping with his retail career, he spent 10 years as a director on the National Executive Board of leading Scottish trade association, the Scottish Grocers Federation, and since 2020 has been the Go Local Programme Director for SGF as well as managing the membership services for the organisation.
Carol Saunders
Head of Insights, Scotland Food & Drink
With over 25 years in leadership roles within the food and drink industry, Carol leads the insight agenda for Scotland Food & Drink, heading up The Knowledge Bank, a unique market insight service offering support, advice and commercial upskilling to Scottish businesses.
Working across the supply chain to producers (large, small and start up), The Knowledge Bank team provide a wealth of skills and knowledge to the industry, ensuring that their deep experience in insight is shared in a way that adds value and drives growth in the market, whether that be Scotland, the UK or Export Markets.
Rachel Havers
UK Small & Medium Business Manager, NielsenIQ
With over six and a half years of experience working across data, insight, and commercial strategy within the FMCG sector, Rachel leads the UK Small & Medium Business function at NielsenIQ, partnering with ambitious growing brands to help them make better, evidence‑based decisions through clear and actionable insight.
Rachel brings a strong understanding of what drives sustainable business performance, with a particular passion for challenger brands and operational excellence.
Sam Robinson
Innovation Consultant, Graft
As an innovation consultant at Graft, Sam helps food and drink brands navigate the journey from ideation to activation by putting people and stories at the heart of his process. Whether working with global leaders or regional SMEs, he uses design thinking to sense-make complex data and draw out insights that drive meaningful innovation.
Janice Macgregor
Head of Brand, Communications & Events, Scotland Food & Drink
Janice Macgregor is Head of Brand, Communications and Events at Scotland Food & Drink, where as part of the senior leadership team, she’s responsible for the management and development of SF&D’s communication strategy, brand development and events delivery.
Her career has spanned inhouse and agency roles, in Scotland, London and Madrid, working across food and drink, tourism, education, music and technology. She has a wealth of traditional and digital expertise alongside brand management, events, sponsorship, crisis communications and business growth.
Dr Mark Fowlestone
Founding Partner, Multiply
Mark is a founding partner of Multiply, one of Scotland’s leading independent communications agencies, with more than 25 years’ experience across strategy, branding, advertising and integrated communications. His career has included senior roles within the Ogilvy and HAVAS networks, as well as leadership at agency board level, alongside serving as a non-executive director of 71 Brewing.
A Fellow of The Marketing Society and member of its Scottish Advisory Board, Mark combines commercial judgement with creative rigour. He holds a Doctorate in branding and storytelling and has judged and chaired a wide range of awards, from The Marketing Society Awards to specialist marketing and advertising accolades. He brings deep expertise across Scotland’s food and drink sector, with Multiply currently working as brand and marketing partner to Scotland Food & Drink.
Adam Wing
Head of Trade Marketing, Seafood Scotland
Adam Wing is Head of Trade Marketing at Seafood Scotland, where he has spent six years leading international campaigns that position Scottish seafood at the premium end of the global market. His work focuses on driving demand among high-value audiences - from Michelin-starred chefs to luxury hospitality and international buyers - combining provenance-led storytelling with strategic market development.
He previously worked within the UK Government’s food and drink team, contributing to the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland campaign and promoting key export categories including seafood, whisky, red meat, and dairy. He has also worked at Ogilvy across global brands including Coca-Cola and Nestlé.
Adam brings a commercially grounded perspective to judging, with a focus on work that balances creativity with measurable impact.