The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Future of country’s food industry in good hands
Next generation of industry praised for new ideas and forward thinking
Innovative young food producers from Angus, Aberdeenshire and West Lothian have been recognised for their contributions to the Scottish food and drink sector.
A special commendation in the industry’s “inspirational young person award” has gone to Owen Foster from Lunanhead to reward his ingenuity in using local produce and his grandma’s recipes. He makes and sells jams, raising money for charity with every sale and plans to continue supplying Glamis Castle gift shop and other local outlets with Angus Jams while studying business management at college.
The overall winner will be revealed at the end of Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight on September 16, but Lauren Leisk from Fodilicious in Livingston has won second prize and Ellie Sinclair of The Veg Co in Aberdeenshire took third place.
Lauren Leisk, the owner of Fodlicious, spotted a gap in the UK ‘free from’ food market after suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, and has developed freshly-prepared meal options for people who suffer from dietary requirements. She set up Fodilicious in September 2017 and is currently selling from her website and to several food service clients.
Meanwhile, Ellie Sinclair of The Veg Co, who grew up on a family farm in Aberdeenshire, began growing tomatoes and chillies and turning them into jams, spice mixes and sauces. Ellie has expansion plans, including growing pineapples in Scotland for a special new sauce and producing her ingredients on farm solely through the use of renewable energy.
NFU Mutual regional manager Martin Malone said he was impressed by the sales and marketing knowledge that the young people had displayed.
He added: “I feel confident that the sector is in safe hands if they are just three examples of the young people coming forward within the wonderful range of food and drink firms in Scotland.”
James Withers, chief executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “I would like to congratulate Lauren, Ellie and Owen on the inspiration they have shown, and I feel sure that I shall work alongside them, and our overall winner, at some point in the future as they further cement their positions within the Scottish food and drink sector.”
The award was open to young people aged 16-26 who own, work, or study within a food and drink related business, organisation or institution. The winner receives £500, with the second and third place finalists receiving £300 and £200 respectively.