The shortlist for this year’s Orkney Food and Drink Awards has been revealed, with the winners set to be announced at a gala event in Kirkwall next month.
Twenty-eight local food and drink business are in the running for 12 different awards, covering everything from the best breakfasts, lunches and evening meals, to the finest bakery, drink and dairy products. Prizes for the top marketing initiative and new product are up for grabs too, with a special continued excellence award also being presented on the night.
The awards – organised by Orkney Food and Drink and sponsored by NorthLink Ferries – form part of a re-energised and expanded Orkney Food Festival, which has been running over the summer months.
Over 2,500 public nominations have been received since the awards were launched in April, with the shortlist drawn up by Orkney Food and Drink and an independent adjudicator.
Award winners will be announced at a special ceremony and dinner in the Pickaquoy Centre on Saturday, 4 October.
Orkney Food and Drink’s Edgar Balfour said: “The public response to the awards has been tremendous and far exceeded our expectations for the competition’s first year. Of course, it would be nice if we could honour every single business nominated as they’ve all made a good impression on customers, but those shortlisted are the standouts from the voting and clearly going the extra mile with what they do. And, regardless of the final outcome on the night, the top three businesses in each category should be commended for making it to the finals as they’re all great ambassadors for Orkney.”
Mr Balfour added: “The awards ceremony promises to be a fantastic night, with the very best of Orkney food and drink on offer. Tickets are going fast, so anyone who’d like to take part in this fabulous showcase event should book their spot now.”
Tickets, costing £30 each, are available via the Orkney Food and Drink website at www.orkneyfoodanddrink.com, and directly from Edgar Balfour on 01856 761 430, or email at orkneyfooddrinkandcrafts@outlook.com.
Award categories and shortlisted businesses are as follows:
Best Evening Meal
Foveran Restaurant
Hamnavoe Restaurant
Kirkwall Hotel
Best Lunch or High Tea
Judith Glue
Orkney Brewery
Willows Coffee Shop
Best Breakfast
Eastward Guest House
Julia’s Café and Bistro
Orkney Auction Mart
Best School Dinners
Papa Westray Primary School
Papdale Primary School
Westray Junior High School
Best Local Food Retailer
E Flett Butchers
Jolly’s of Orkney
William Shearer
Best Marketing Initiative
Highland Park Distillery
Orkney Brewery
Orkney Buffalo
Best New Product
Donaldson’s of Orkney
Orkney Buffalo
Orkney Chocolate Company
Best Meat Based Product
Craigie Butchers
E Flett Butchers
Orkney Buffalo
Best Dairy Based Product
Gerri’s Ice Cream Parlour
Orkney Cheese
Orkney Creamery
Best Bakery Based Product
Barony Mill
W F M Brown
Stockan’s Oatcakes
Best Drink Product
Highland Brewing Company Ltd
Highland Park Distillery
Orkney Brewery
Special Prize for Continued Excellence (any area)
E Flett Butchers
Foveran Restaurant
Willows Coffee Shop
ENDS
