One hundred and forty outstanding Scottish food and drink products have made it onto the shortlist for the Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards 2022 (SRFDA). The products represent a broad selection of food and drink categories and have been chosen by more than 50 experienced, expert judges after more than four weeks of intense judging.
To replicate the consumer experience as closely as possible, the majority of the judging was carried out at home with the judges having the products delivered to their doorsteps, allowing them to experience the products in exactly the same way as the consumer would.
The final phase of the judging, including the Platinum judging, was carried out in two days of face-to-face sessions at The Corinthian in Glasgow where Executive Chef Stewart McAllister prepared the products in line with on-pack instructions for the Platinum judging panel.
Read the full shortlist here
Bruce Langlands, former head of Food & Beverage at Harrods and Selfridges and Chair of the Platinum judging panel, commented: “I am so pleased to be involved once again with The Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards because the judging process is impeccable, entirely fair and completely transparent. This is exactly how food and drink awards should be judged – and I have to say that over the last month or so we have tasted some absolutely outstanding products.
“It’s very clear to me as a proud Scot that the industry is in fine fettle and we’ve seen some exceptional creativity, innovation and quality during the judging. With locally, regionally and nationally sourced products arguably more popular than ever, there is clearly no shortage of fantastic Scottish food and drink products available to tempt retailers and consumers.
“I really believe that many of this year’s winners will go on to secure new listings in Scottish retail outlets and, when that happens, we can take pride in the small part we played in helping that happen.”
SRFDA Director Antony Begley added: “With entries up over 30% on last year, we knew that the judging would be challenging and rewarding in equal measure, but I think it’s fair to say that our judges thoroughly enjoyed the experience and had the opportunity to try so many exciting products. The passion and energy in the Scottish retail food and drink sector is inspirational and we look forward to both announcing the winners on May 31st and to working with all winners and entrants to help them develop their brands and grow sales long into the future.
- The winners of the Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards 2022 will be announced at a special ceremony on May 31st at The Corinthian in Glasgow. To reserve your place, please email events@55north.com
- All food products remaining after the judging were donated to The Lodging House Mission, a Glasgow-based charity dedicated to providing care and support to homeless, vulnerable and socially excluded people.
