Perthshire farmer is top Scottish food producer

Local firms recognised at Scottish Food and Drink Excellence Awards

Courier Country businesses were among the 25 winners at the prestigious Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2017 last night.

A record number of 820 guests attended Scotland’s food and drink ‘Oscars’, held in Edinburgh’s International Conference Centre.

Meigle-based Bruce Farms enjoyed a double celebration by winning primary producer of the year and overall business of the year.

The Bruce family has been farming in Perthshire for four generations and is a trusted supplier to a number of the world’s most respected food and retail brands including Bird’s Eye, Ribena and Marks & Spencer, as well as their ownlabel Bruce brand of soft fruits.

Errol-based Mackie’s at Taypack Ltd, which exports its crisps to 20 countries, won export business of the year, while Liam Pennycook of Strathearn Distillery, Methven, won the Young Talent award.

There was also success for the familyrun Little Herb Farm, near St Andrews, which won the Savouries and Accompaniment category for its Tayberry & Sage Vinegar Dressing, while Graham’s the Family Dairy won the dairy award.

The annual awards, which were hosted by chef and TV personality Simon Rimmer, are organised by Scotland Food & Drink and run in partnership with The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.

The 25 category winners spanned the whole of the sector.

Other winners included l’escargot restaurants owned by chef Fred Berkmiller, Paterson Arran for its environmental sustainability, Peelham Farm Produce in the meat category and Mara Seaweed in the healthy choices section.

James Withers, CEO Scotland Food & Drink, said: “With the new food and drink strategy, ‘Ambition 2030’ we are aiming to double the industry’s worth to the value of £30 billion by 2030, so it was fantastic to see new start-ups as well as established businesses come out on top.

“The industry is constantly growing, but there is always room for young pioneers, innovative products and enterprising businesses, and it’s this that will help us achieve Ambition 2030.

“Scotland is home to some of the most innovative producers and these awards give us the chance to celebrate this.”

Errol-based crisp and sweet treats producer Mackie’s at Taypack was recognised as Scotland’s top food export business.