Finalists Revealed for the Grampian Food Forum Innovation Awards

29 businesses in Scotland’s northeast are celebrating after being named as finalists in the Grampian Food Forum Innovation Awards 2016.64 food and drink products were submitted for this year’s awards with 39 businesses entering, 12 for the first time.  The shortlist includes a wide variety of food and drink businesses from the region, showcasing the strength and diversity of the industry.The awards, which are in their 26th year, recognise excellence and innovation in food and drink in Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City and Moray.  Shortlisted businesses include a range of established family businesses like Mackies of Scotland and Duncan’s of Deeside, new micro businesses like The Good Granola Company and Barra Bronzes and those with global export expertise like Associated Seafoods.  Businesses are recognised in eleven categories including Best New Retail Product, Best New Foodservice Product, the Grampian Food & Drink Entrepreneur 2016 and the Best Young Business.Sarah Mackie, Scottish Procurement Director for Brakes, led the judging panel, which included Michael Whiteford, Buying Director at ALDI and food blogger Hilary Sturzaker.  Sarah said:“As judges we were all impressed by the range and quality of food and drink from the area.  Meeting the suppliers, many of whom are real entrepreneurs, also leaves you in no doubt about the enthusiasm and commitment to their products.”The full list of shortlisted companies are:Angus & Oink, Angus Gordon Lennox at Gordon Castle, Associated Seafoods Ltd, Barra Bronzes, Cairngorm Leaf & Bean, Calum Richardson at The Bay Fish & Chips, Cambus O’May Cheese Company, Castleton Farm Shop, Chalmers Bakers Ltd, Cocoa Ooze Chocolates, Davidsons Specialist Butcher, Dean's, Deeside Brewery, Duncan's of Deeside, Grant Keenan at Keenan Recycling, J & I Smith Bakers Ltd, JG Ross (Bakers) Ltd, John Ross Jr. (Aberdeen) Ltd., John Smith & Sons, Joseph Robertson Aberdeen, Kincardine Castle, Mackie's of Scotland, Nor-Sea Foods Ltd, Peter Bruce at Entier, Pulsetta Foods Ltd, six°north brewery, Summerhouse Drinks, The Deeside Water Company Ltd and The Good Granola Company.Organised by Grampian Food Forum, the final winners of the awards will be announced on 24 March at the Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel and Spa.  Tickets are £70 and can be booked online at www.grampianfoodforum.co.ukESS Support Services Worldwide is title sponsor for the 2016 Awards and also supporting this year are; Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council, Aston Scott & Inventive Step, AVC Media, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Johnston Carmichael, Keenan Recycling Ltd, Maclay, Murray & Spens (MMS), Mackie’s of Scotland, Mercure Ardoe House Hotel, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, Scotland Food & Drink, Scottish Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, The Moray Council, The Press and Journal and Think Local. ENDS. For media enquiries, interviews or images, please contact Martha Bryce at Taste Communications:martha@tastecommunications.co.ukTel. 0131 225 7205 Notes to editors:The Grampian Food Forum is a partnership of members of the food and drink industry in the north east of Scotland and the public sector organisations in the area namely Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City and Moray Councils; Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise.The Forum advises on the needs of the industry so that relevant programmes and projects can be put in place, which help address industry issues.  The activities of the Forum are varied and include the dining club, awareness visits and workshops.  Grampian Food Forum is also a partner in Taste of Grampian.The Grampian Food Forum is delivered by Economic Development, Aberdeenshire Council, Woodhill House, Aberdeen, AB16 5GB.