Categories

Coffee Shop of the Year

The judges will look for the coffee shop which is best able to create an outstanding customer experience – a warm welcome, high quality coffee and/or tea plus a range of other drinks, tasty food made from fresh, local produce, all served with an excellent level of customer service.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Style and experience

• Value/affordability

• Customer service

• Accessibility and facilities

• Quality of offering

Street Vendor of the Year

Good food on the go has become an important part of modern living and as such the demand for street food and impromptu pop-ups has never been greater. The judges will be looking for someone who’s bringing something unique to the table.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Innovative concept and product offering

• Vehicle/pop-up design and branding

• Use of local produce

• Customer service

• Overall presentation

fine dining restaurant of the Year

This venue should be the very best of Scottish hospitality and cuisine; displaying the use of fresh and local ingredients with flair, imagination and expertise. Diners will not hesitate to travel many miles for this gastronomic experience.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• An exciting and innovative menu which stands out from competitors

• Emphasis on local produce or ingredients

• Extensive wine list or drinks menu with food pairing options

• Ratings on tripadvisor

• Décor/ambience

• Customer service

Chef of the Year

The Chef of the Year is someone who has devoted him or herself to the cause of serving the best possible food. They will demonstrate technical ability, use of seasonal ingredients, an understanding of how flavours work together and a flair for presentation. Above all, we are looking for passion – that magic ingredient that defines true greatness in the kitchen. Entries should come from all areas of the hospitality business, including hotels, restaurants and pubs.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Chefs are invited to submit a menu consisting of three courses. The judges would like a description of the menu detailing:

• Concept

• Sourcing

• Balance

• Seasonality

farm to fork award – food & drink

– sponsored by Angus Council and Perth & Kinross Council Entries are welcome from producers of fruits, vegetables, eggs or meat. Judges are looking for individuals or businesses with the ability and vision to produce and market quality food and drink products in this region. These are growers and producers who are passionate about what they do and who have the talent and skill to grow, develop and market an outstanding and commercially scalable food and drink product.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Brand concept and development

• Commitment to highest production standards

• Market penetration

• Commitment to sustainable practices in production

LOCAL to global brand of the Year –

sponsored by Fife Trade Partnership: Accessing New Markets This category is for a food, drink or hospitality business that has established a presence in international markets and continues to grow.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Strategy to develop and grow in export markets

• How you have overcome export challenges and have shown a clear commitment to international trade

• Export growth – please provide figures showing increase in export revenues over the past two years Dot Smith, economic adviser for market and trade development, says: “Trading outside of Scotland and overseas can open up a mass of opportunities. Sponsoring this category allows the Partnership to recognise and reward a food, drink or hospitality business that has established a presence in international markets and is continuing to grow.”

new talent (rising Star) – sponsored by brakes scotland

This category is open to anyone who works in the food and drink sector and is open to any person aged between 16 and 25 on December 31 2017. The judges are looking for someone who combines raw talent with real skill.

Individuals can either enter themselves or be nominated by an employer, colleague or mentor. Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Proof of contribution to the workplace

• Performance excellence

• Commitment to personal development and progression

• Passion for chosen path Lorna Allison, marketing manager of leading food service supplier Brakes Scotland, says: “The rising stars in the industry are our future leaders, we look forward to presenting the award especially during the Year of Young People.”

Craft drinks producer of the Year

This category is open to any independently-owned business that can demonstrate success in the alcoholic and/ or soft drinks market. Judges will be looking for a commitment to locallysourced products where possible; sustainable practices and robust processes and a sound marketing strategy.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Consistent innovation

• Product placement in the market

• Commitment to the local supply chain

• Strategy for growth

consumers’ choice – pub of the Year

Nominations are accepted for fantastic pubs/pub restaurants across Courier Country which have created a distinct and high quality offering for their customers. Common to all finalists will be great standards of customer service, an understanding of the market and a good range and standard of drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The pub of the Year shall also have a character and charm that makes a visit enjoyable and memorable.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Courier readers will be invited to nominate in this category. The shortlist will consist of the pubs with the most popular votes

mixologist/sommelier of the Year

This award is for the top bar person of Courier Country. The winner will have an in-depth knowledge of the wine and cocktails they serve and be able to pour the perfect drink.

Mixologists should be able to demonstrate flair and imagination in designing and making new cocktails to please customers.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Depth of knowledge of wine/cocktails being served

• Commitment to customer service

• Signature cocktail