2025 finalists announced in food industry awards | ONE

Manufacturers and producers spanning startups to national brands in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray have been shortlisted for the top industry accolades. More than 60 entries were submitted for this year’s North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards.

Judges from businesses and organisations including Tesco, Marks & Spencer, National Trust for Scotland, Opportunity North East (ONE) and Scotland Food & Drink spent two days assessing entries across eight categories reflecting the breadth and quality of the industry, including Best New Food and Drink Products, Most Innovative Business, Best Young Business, Business Growth, Rising Star, and Team of the Year.

ONE delivers the awards in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, with support from this year’s category sponsors CMS, DYW North East, Outsource Laboratory, Scotland Food & Drink, and Serco NorthLink Ferries.

Food and drink is Scotland’s largest manufacturing sector, with the north east contributing an impressive 20% of Scotland’s total output. The sector in the region generates an annual turnover of £2.4 billion and supports over 22,000 jobs across manufacturing, production, agriculture, and seafood processing.

The winners will be unveiled at the awards dinner on 5 June 2025 at Meldrum House Country Hotel, Oldmeldrum. For more information, visit the www.nesfoodanddrinkawards.co.uk website.

Alan Thorpe, Director of ONE Food & Drink, said: “The food and drink awards shine a spotlight on the vibrant spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. With a history spanning over 30 years, they celebrate the remarkable achievements of businesses – from dynamic startups to major brands – that are proudly rooted in the north east.

“The experienced judging panel – drawn from retail, foodservice and hospitality – spent two days reviewing this year’s entries to arrive at the shortlist. The quality of products and growth on display underline why this region is at the forefront of Scotland’s largest manufacturing sector and is ambitious to deliver further growth in the coming years.

“On behalf of ONE, Aberdeenshire Council, and all the category sponsors, I wish all the finalists the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating with them at the awards ceremony in June,” said Alan.

The 2025 North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards finalists are as follows:

BEST YOUNG BUSINESS

CarnieBees Ltd

Glenkindie Pantry

Tullynessle Deer Farm

Sherriff & Hope Ltd

BEST FOOD & DRINK TOURISM EXPERIENCE

City of Aberdeen Distillery Ltd.

Glen Garioch Distillery

Tullynessle Deer Farm

Long Table Feast – Westerton Farmers

BUSINESS GROWTH AWARD

Brew Toon

Mackintosh of Glendaveny

Mackie’s of Scotland

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Mackie’s of Scotland

Mackintosh of Glendaveny

RISING STAR AWARD

Bethany Cross, Dean’s of Huntly Ltd

Megan Dorward, Castleton Farm

Andrew Robertson, Burnside Brewery

MOST INNOVATIVE BUSINESS AWARD

Burnside Brewery

City of Aberdeen Distillery Ltd.

Lapwings Community Mill

Raw Culture Ltd

Singularity Sauce Co

Sherriff & Hope

BEST NEW PRODUCT (SMALL COMPANY)

Dip Club UK - Cashew & Coconut D!P - Satayin’ Alive

Hungry Squirrel Limited - Sweet Chai Cashew Butter

Slow Sauce - Oat Miso

Singularity Sauce Co - Fuego De Cerveza

BEST NEW PRODUCT (MEDIUM TO LARGE COMPANY)

Amity Fish Company Ltd - Amity Lobster Macaroni Pie

Castleton Farm Shop - Castleton Farm Mayonnaise

John Ross Jr (Aberdeen) Ltd - Maple Syrup Hot Smoked Salmon

rora dairy - rora dairy Organic Natural Live Kefir Yogurt

Speyside Specialities - Bac’ n Black

BEST NEW DRINK PRODUCT

Brew Toon - Murray Cup

Burnside Brewery - Lump of Coal - Festive Stout

Glen Garioch Distillery - Glen Garioch 2009 Refill Sherry Single Cask #2198

Six°North - Foraged Saison

The Outlaw Rum Company - Rachael’s Sherry Cask