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Shortlist for Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards revealed

Bakkafrost Scotland has been shortlisted in four categories at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2022.

Native Hebridean Scottish Salmon has been shortlisted for both the Artisan Product of the Year and the Fish & Seafood Product of the Year category. The judging panel who tasted and scored each product was formed of buyers from some of the UK’s biggest retailers alongside influential figures in the food and drink industry.

Employees are at the heart of our business operations in Scotland. Our employee’s welfare, development and engagement in their roles are all important to us and we have been shortlisted for the Employer of the Year award.

Alec Marwick, Assistant Project Manager at the Applecross site, has been recognised for his hard work in the Young Talent category. Introducing and nurturing young talent in the Scottish aquaculture industry is hugely important for the future success of the industry and Alec is a great example of young talent that will lead the industry in the future.

Returning after a Covid-enforced hiatus, the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards will take place during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight and will be held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Thursday 8 September.

248 entries were submitted across 14 product categories, with only 48 individual items from 36 suppliers named as finalists.

Ian Laister, Managing Director at Bakkafrost Scotland said:

“Our multi-award winning Native Hebridean Scottish Salmon is very special having been specially developed over more than a decade. It is fully traceable to the Hebridean islands and West Coast of Scotland and 100 percent Scottish from egg to fish – a truly unique artisan product for the discerning consumer.

Very well done to Alec Marwick who has been shortlisted for the Young Talent award. Alec embodies the best of the next generation of aquaculture professionals.

Our people are key to our success so it’s encouraging to be in the running for Employer of the Year. We employ more than 650 great people across 60 sites and have made significant investments in our facilities and staff training to improve day-to-day operations on the ground.

Good luck to all involved!”

John Davidson, Deputy Chief Executive and Strategy Director at Scotland Food & Drink, said:

“The Excellence Awards play an important role in recognising the innovation and creativity of everyone that is building the reputation of Scotland’s larder. It was fantastic to see such a range of producers and individuals in this year’s entries and a massive congratulations to all those that have been named in the shortlist. We can’t wait to bring everyone together after a challenging couple of years and celebrate in September.”


Ashley Connolly, Local Buying Manager at Asda, said:

“Our customers are becoming increasingly conscious of where their food and drink is coming from and so our focus is to source high quality and innovative products that are new and exciting. I was delighted to be involved in the judging of this year’s Excellence Awards and it was wonderful to see such a high calibre of entries across all product categories. A massive congratulations to all of the individuals and businesses that have been shortlisted!”


To find out more about the Excellence Awards or purchase tickets for the event, please visit: https://excellenceawards.foodanddrink.scot/