Last chance for Scotland’s young food and drink stars to enter industry award – with words of encouragement from previous winner

The countdown is on for the budding stars of Scotland’s food and drink sector to enter NFU Mutual’s ‘Inspirational Young Person Award’.
 
Launched by the commercial insurer in partnership with industry leading body Scotland Food & Drink, the award is now in its seventh year and aims to uncover and reward talented 16 to 26-year-olds who own, work or study in the food or drink industry.
 
One of those talented youngsters was last year’s winner, Matt Farmer, a commercial development co-ordinator from Newton Mearns in Glasgow. Matt won the award for his work with food and drink manufacturer Brakes Scotland and said the success has helped further his career.
 
“Since winning the award, my responsibility within Brakes has continued to increase, allowing me to continue to enhance both my experience and skill set,” said Matt. “This work and responsibility has led to many opportunities such as presentations to the executive team and further award recognition.”
 
Entries and nominations are drawing to a close for the award, with nominations closing on Friday, July 11. First, second and third-place winners will be awarded cash prizes of £500, £300 and £200 respectively, and will be announced in September during Scottish Food & Drink September. 
 
“I would actively encourage anyone thinking about applying to do so,” said Matt. “The award gives you great recognition for your hard work and allows you to share your early career experience with others.
 
“When I received the award, the kind messages from all felt really rewarding and puts into perspective the impact you have on others within your respective work environment.”
 
Kirsty Simpson, Campaigns and Partnerships Consultant at NFU Mutual, said: “The importance of young people to Scotland’s food and drink sector cannot be overstated. The entries and winners over the past six years illustrates just how wide a contribution they make and how valuable they are to business success. 
 
“As with many industries in the current climate, the food and drink sector has faced some very challenging times, and this year’s judging will consider how young people have responded to that. We love shining a light on the wealth of talent we have here in Scotland, and would urge people to get nominations in before the deadline as the Inspirational Young Person Award is the perfect opportunity to do that.” 
 
How to enter the 2025 awards 
The NFU Mutual and Scotland Food & Drink Inspirational Young Person Award 2025 is open for entries until July 11. Submit your entry or make a nomination HERE. Any individual between the ages of 16 and 26 who owns, works, or studies within a food and drink-related business, organisation or institution can be nominated or enter on their own behalf. The winner will receive £500, with the second and third-place finalists receiving £300 and £200 respective. Winners will be announced in September 2025.