Entries now open for Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2025

Scotland’s premier celebration of food and drink is back! The Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2025 are now open for entries, with businesses across the sector invited to showcase their outstanding products, innovations, and people.

Taking place on Thursday 4th September, the prestigious awards will feature up to 36 accolades, including a range of tasted product categories, business awards, and the new HIT Scotland Legacy Scholarship Award, which will see an up-and-coming chef undertake a short stage in a MICHELIN Star restaurant. Entries opened today, Thursday, 3rd April 2025, with food and drink businesses of all sizes encouraged to take part in what has become a highlight of the industry calendar. 
 
Among the categories set to be judged by an expert tasting panel are Bakery Product of the Year, Fish and Seafood Product of the Year, Distilling Product of the Year (Dark & Light), and Dairy Product of the Year. Every product entered will be tasted and judged by a panel of experts from retail, foodservice, and hospitality.  

The ultimate prize of Product of the Year will be awarded to the highest-scoring product from the tasted categories. 

Business-focused awards will celebrate excellence in sustainability, retail, and nurturing young talent. This year’s business awards feature four new categories to celebrate food tourism businesses, innovation, organic businesses, and food and drink campaigns.  
 
As the awards continue to grow in reputation and participation, reflecting the strength and ambition of Scotland’s food and drink sector, Iain Baxter, Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink, said: “The Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase the exceptional talent and passion within our industry. Every year, we see an incredible variety of products and businesses that highlight the quality and innovation Scotland is known for. I look forward to celebrating the very best of Scottish produce and producers who are driving our industry forward.” 

Encouraging businesses to enter, Hayley Wilkes of WeeCOOK, winner of Product of the Year 2024, said: “Winning at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards was a huge honour for WeeCOOK. It’s not just about the recognition – it’s about celebrating with fellow Scottish producers on the evening, sharing incredible food and drink, and making memories that last a lifetime. If you’re passionate about what you do, I’d absolutely encourage you to enter.” 

The Excellence Awards also mark a new milestone for Scotland Food & Drink’s recently launched tiered membership model, which provides tailored benefits for businesses of all sizes. Under the new model, the top two membership tiers will receive one free entry to the awards – offering even greater value and support to the industry. 

Businesses interested in entering the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2025 can find full details and submit their entries here. Entries close at 5pm on Wednesday, 28th May 2025.