Deadline approaching for Highlands & Islands Food and Drink Awards 2014

18th April 2014

Food and drink businesses across the Highlands and Islands and within the Cairngorms National Park area have just days left before the deadline to enter the region’s largest and most prestigious food and drink industry awards.

As the Wednesday, 23 April deadline approaches for entries for this year’s Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards, sponsored by Gordon & MacPhail and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), organisers are calling on the area’s food and drink businesses to make sure they don’t miss the closing date.

The Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards, now in its tenth year recognises and reward the businesses which are displaying best practice, achieving exceptional standards and pushing boundaries in a key growth industry sector.

Quintin Stevens of the Awards’ committee said they were keen to see businesses of all sizes and from all sectors within the industry enter for a range of categories, including the New Business, Healthier Food & Drink, New Product, Best Drink Award, Best Eatery and Restaurant of the Year.

He continued: “There is so much good work being achieved in the industry and we want to shine the spotlight on some of the best innovative and creative businesses out there. We know how hard our peers work and we want to make sure their passion and commitment is rewarded.”

The Awards are the region’s longest-running food and drinks awards, celebrating excellence and achievement in the industry and recognising industry players at the top of their game.

In addition to title sponsors Gordon & MacPhail and HIE, sponsors this year include Bank of Scotland, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Ecosse Professional Services Ltd, JBT Distribution & Parcelinq, Johnston Carmichael, Norbert Dentressangle, North Highland Initiative, Scotland Food & Drink, TIO Ltd, Think Local, University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health. The media sponsor is Scottish Provincial Press.

The closing date for entries is 5pm on Wednesday, 23rd April. Further information on all the award categories and how to enter can be found at www.hifoodanddrinkawards.com.

The shortlisted finalists will be announced in late June, and full details of the Awards Dinner & Ceremony on Friday, 24th October at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness will be announced in due course.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness at the Sharp End: Broadband, Buses and Public Services Under Pressure

From the loss of a direct bus link to Inverness to uncertainty over rural broadband, a difficult council budget and the future of community organisations, the past week has provided plenty for Caithness residents to think about.  But there have also been celebrations, local achievements and signs of community spirit.  

31/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

The North Sea's Changing Future: What Does It Mean for Jobs and Investment in Caithness?

The future of the North Sea energy industry is once again attracting considerable attention.  With the UK Government facing difficult decisions about oil and gas production, energy security, investment and the transition towards renewable energy.  

23/10/2026 : Marine Services

HIE funding supports new strategy role at Wick Harbour

Wick Harbour Authority (WHA) is to appoint a new strategy manager after securing up to £52,500 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to help fund the post.   The post holder will help WHA deliver its emerging harbour masterplan and outline business case, strengthen capacity and develop new business opportunities.  

20/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
HIE welcomes £350m cable factory opening

The official opening of the UK’s first HVDC subsea cable factory, located at the Port of Nigg in Easter Ross, has been welcomed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).   The facility represents an investment of £350m.  

17/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

When Community Ownership Isn't Enough: The Uncertain Future of GlenWyvis Distillery

The Highland distillery was built with the support of thousands of people who wanted to create something lasting for their community.  Its entry into administration exposes the financial risks facing ambitious local ventures, even when the original idea has widespread public support.  

8/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Innovation and AI: New opportunities for businesses across the Highlands and Islands

Innovation has always been a defining characteristic of businesses and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands.   Whether developing new products, finding ways to overcome the challenges of distance and geography, improving services, or identifying new markets, organisations across the region have a long track record of adapting and evolving.  

30/9/2026 : Local Authority

Scottish Cities Alliance Investment Conference to showcase Highland opportunities

Inverness will welcome government representatives, investors, business leaders and economic development partners later this week as it hosts the Scottish Cities Alliance Autumn Investor Event.  A two-day programme designed to showcase investment opportunities across Inverness, the Highlands and Scotland's city regions.  

29/9/2026 : Local Authority

Are We Trying to Save Britain’s Towns Without Planning Their Future?

Walk through almost any British town centre and you can see the evidence of change.   There are empty shops where there were once businesses.  

26/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

September is Scottish Start-Up Month – could your business idea become a reality?

September has become a month when Scotland's aspiring entrepreneurs are being encouraged to take a closer look at an idea that may have been sitting in the back of their minds for some time.   Scottish Start-Up Month, led by Business Gateway, has returned for 2026 with a simple message: if you have an idea for a business, this could be the month to take the first step.  

22/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Scotland and Ireland Strengthen Economic Links Between Gaelic Communities

Scotland and Ireland Strengthen Economic Links Between Gaelic Communities Scotland and Ireland are developing closer links between their Gaelic-speaking communities, with housing, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, tourism and the marine economy among the areas being explored for future cooperation.   The initiative was highlighted during a visit to Skye by Ireland's President Catherine Connolly, who met representatives of Highland organisations including Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Highland Council.