Entries are now open for the 2026 North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards, with a refreshed format designed to better reflect the strength, innovation and commercial success of the region’s food and drink sector.
Delivered by Opportunity North East (ONE) in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, the awards celebrate excellence across the industry – from primary producers to manufacturers and brand-builders – while creating new opportunities for businesses to raise their profile and develop trade connections.
For 2026, the awards programme has been streamlined with updated categories that place product quality, innovation and commercial success at the heart of the judging criteria. Participation is free, with entries open until 6 April.
This year’s winners will benefit from a new national showcase opportunity at the Royal Highland Show, where category winners will have the chance to exhibit and sell their products within Scotland’s Larder as part of the ONE SeedPod stand.
The opportunity coincides with Aberdeenshire’s role as the spotlight region in the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland Presidential Initiative for 2025/26, providing a strong platform to showcase north east producers to buyers and consumers from across the UK.
Jennifer Craw MBE, Chief Executive of Opportunity North East, said: “The North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards celebrate business leaders and entrepreneurs across the region. The awards recognise innovative products and businesses — from primary producers to manufacturers and brand-builders.
“This year we are supporting the Aberdeenshire Presidency at the Royal Highland Show with a stand for ONE SeedPod in Scotland’s Larder where the winners and finalists from the north east can reach a national audience. Good luck to all the applicants.”
Pat Machray OBE, President of the RHASS Presidential Initiative 2025/26, said: “Aberdeenshire produces 20% of Scotland’s food and drink, with world-renowned products, innovation and agriculture at its core. This year’s RHASS Presidential Initiative and the Royal Highland Show will spotlight these strengths and help drive future trade.
“The Royal Highland Show is a fitting national stage to recognise the quality, ambition and innovation of a region that plays such a vital role in Scotland’s food and drink success and I’m looking forward to presenting this year’s winners with their trophies in June.”
Stanley Morrice MBE, Vice Chair of Opportunity North East and Chair of the Food, Drink & Agriculture Board, added: “The North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards highlight the ambition and shared passion that make our food and drink sector such a powerhouse for the region.
“From producers to manufacturers and the wider supply chain, this is a vibrant community at the heart of the north east economy, leading Scotland in premium products. At Opportunity North East, we are proud to support that growth through practical programmes that drive innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation.”
The winners’ package, valued at more than £3,000, includes exhibition space at the Royal Highland Show, accommodation or travel support, professional stand design, marketing promotion and video content creation.
The awards programme has recognised the achievements of the region’s food and drink industry for more than 30 years. Each year, around 40 businesses take part, gaining valuable feedback from an experienced judging panel drawn from retail, foodservice, hospitality and industry organisations.
Judging includes product tastings and business interviews held at ONE SeedPod, with both finalists and winners benefiting from increased visibility and opportunities to build new commercial relationships.
Food and drink businesses based in the north east of Scotland that have launched a product or process within the past three years are encouraged to apply.
Entries close on 6 April.
More information and entry details can be found at: https://www.nesfoodanddrinkawards.co.uk/