Ayrshire businesses among finalists at Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards
Four of Ayrshire 's finest food and drink businesses have been named among the finalists for the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.
Arran Dairies, Brownings the Bakers, Dunbia Highland Meats and Mossgiel Organic Dairy have all been nominated for awards.
Now in its 25th year, the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards recognise the highest quality of produce, as well as leading suppliers, individuals and companies in the industry.
This year, winners will be announced at the awards night hosted by journalist and broadcaster Kirsty Wark on September 4 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Glasgow.
Among the 85 finalists from 60 different businesses across Scotland are four Ayrshire firms.
Arran Dairies have been nominated in the small business dairy product of the year category for their Arran Blackthorn Salted Caramel Ice Cream.
Kilmarnock 's Brownings the Bakers have been nominated in the bakery product of the year category for their famous Kilmarnock Pies.
In the meat product of the year category, Dunbia Highland Meats of Saltcoats have been nominated for their Strathvale Scotch Grass Fed Fillet Steak which is available at Lidl.
Every product entered has been tasted and judged by a panel of experts from retail, foodservice and hospitality.
A host of business awards will also be presented on the night and Mossgiel Organic Dairy in Mauchline has been nominated in the organic business of the year category.
Iain Baxter, chief executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said: 'Year after year, The Excellence Awards attract an incredibly diverse range of entries of seriously impressive quality.
'Sampling the incredible range of entries might sound like a dream job but narrowing it down to the very best has been no easy task for our expert panel. This year, the judges were struck by the outstanding quality, creativity, and innovation on display.
'Despite the challenges the sector has faced in recent years, it's inspiring to see Scotland's food and drink businesses continuing to push boundaries in not just what they produce, but in how they operate.
'Almost a quarter of a century from the first Awards, this year promises to be a standout occasion for one of the country's most lucrative and successful industries. Congratulations to everyone who's made the shortlist, and best of luck on the night.'
Asda continues its support for The Excellence Awards as headline sponsor.
Ashley Connolly, Local Buying Manager Scotland at Asda, added: 'It's a privilege for Asda to once again support The Excellence Awards and to celebrate the incredible passion and dedication of Scotland's food and drink producers.
'Judging the tasted categories certainly wasn't easy, but I know I speak for the whole panel when I say the finalists truly represent the very best our industry has to offer.'
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