Food 'Oscars' launched

Adams, who will host the ceremony on 27 May, urged Scottish food and drink businesses - including salmon producers and processors - to enter the awards.

Recognising excellence across the food and drink industry in Scotland, the awards will take place in their largest ever venue, the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.  

Speaking at the launch at the National Museum of Scotland, Adams said: “I’m thrilled to be invited back to host this delightfully delicious event. This is a real celebration of Scotland’s food and drink in all its different guises from producers with an international recognition to micro businesses. The Excellence Awards represent Scotland on a plate and I’d urge food and drink businesses to get involved.”

Known as the Scottish food and drink industry’s ‘Oscars’, the ceremony will be bigger than ever before with 700 guests attending the glamorous event. Attendees will be treated to a drinks reception and sumptuous dinner, showcasing the very best of Scotland’s produce. Tickets for the event are on sale from Scotland Food & Drink now.

Organised by Scotland Food & Drink in partnership with The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), the awards recognise excellence across 19 entered categories, including nine product awards judged mainly by taste and a wide range of business categories which include Environmental Sustainability, Scottish Sourcing and Investing in People in addition to an award recognising Young Talent. The event’s headline sponsor is Asda.

Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink, James Withers, said: “The Excellence Awards recognise the very best that Scotland’s food and drink industry has to offer. From the big players to small artisan producers, the awards recognise our best products and businesses. 2015 is the Year of Food and Drink, which means that recognising excellence in our field is even more important and the awards are still bigger as a consequence. 

“This year, more than ever before, Scotland will be recognised as a Land of Food and Drink and the awards provide a fantastic platform to celebrate the outstanding achievements across our industry. I would encourage companies of all sizes to enter this year’s awards.”