MACKIE’S of Scotland picked up two of the top honours in the North East Scotland Food and Drink Awards.
The luxury ice cream firm, based at Westertown Farm, near Rothienorman, Aberdeenshire, won accolades for business growth and export business of the year.
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The Organic Dairy, based at Kinellar, near Aberdeen, also enjoyed a double success – winning the best retail product by a small business and sustainability awards.
Organised by private sector economic development body Opportunity North East (One) and Aberdeenshire Council, the awards are held every year to celebrate innovation and all-round excellence among the region’s food and drink firms.
This year’s event ended up online after Covid-19 scuppered plans for an awards dinner at the Chester Hotel, Aberdeen, earlier this month.
The gong for most successful product went to Peterhead beermaker Brew Toon, while fellow Buchan company International Fish Canners (Scotland), of Fraserburgh, picked up the award for best retail product by larger firms.
WooHa Brewing Company, of Kinloss, in Moray, took the prize for best brewed product, while The Teasmith Spirit Company, run by Udny-based husband and wife team Nick and Emma Smalley, tasted success in the best distilled product category.
Salmon from Sutherlands of Portsoy was named best food service product and yogurt-maker Rora Dairy, based in Middleton of Rora, near Peterhead, was crowned best young business.
Loch Lost Spirits, of Dess, near Aboyne picked up the award for best food and drink tourism experience, while the innovation accolade went to Farmlay Eggs, based near Strichen.
Patrick Machray, One vice-chairman, said: “We know that these are extremely challenging times for the food and drink industry as the country tackles unprecedented health, financial and economic challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We hope that by taking a moment to celebrate some of the brilliant producers in the region we can remind each other of the drive, innovation and achievements that make food and drink such an important part of our economy.”
