The Produce Awards, run by delicious. magazine, were launched in January with readers and food lovers asked to nominate their best-loved food producers – there were more than 650 nominations.
Regional heats were held in nine regions across the UK in the spring, and 74 products were shortlisted for the final tasting, held in London in July.
Judges for the final included restaurateur and broadcaster Prue Leith CBE, food writer Sophie Grigson, chefs Peter Gordon and Theo Randall and delicious. editor Karen Barnes.
Delicious. editor Karen Barnes said: “After years in the food doldrums, the past 10 to 15 years have seen a huge upsurge in the quality of food in the UK – and we need to shout about it. The delicious. Produce Awards are about championing the finest producers in the UK, supporting them and putting their products into the spotlight.
"It’s been a privilege to learn about the stories, hard work and skill of so many British farmers, fishermen, artisan producers and more… The dedication of these (often unsung) food heroes shines through in the quality of the food they produce.”
The judges said the success of Scotland’s producers was best highlighted in the From the Sea categories, but they were impressed by the overall range of products shortlisted including fantastic bread, charcuterie, ice cream, bacon and pies.
“As well as honouring long-standing food traditions, Scottish food producers are creating and crafting new tastes and flavours that the world will seek to savour.”
The big Scottish winners were the Ethical Shellfish Company from Mull, who impressed judges with the the "super-sweet taste and tender texture" of their hand-dived King Scallops, which won the primary From the Sea award.
Campsie Glen Smokehouse Ltd, who are based in Kirkintilloch, were awarded the artisan from the sea award for their Smoked Halibut Charcuterie, which wowed judges with its “delicate smoke and wonderful texture”
Great Glen Charcuterie were also awarded, taking home the From the Field Artisan award for their delightful Green Pepper Venison Salami, which the panel thought showed a very inventive way to use venison that was also backed up with great flavour.
Other finalists included Original Smokies From Arbroath Ltd for their Arbroath Smokies, Ramsay of Carluke Ltd with their traditional Ayrshire Bacon and Mr C’s Hand-Crafted Pies Ltd for their Piggy Black Pie.
All the winning products and producers are now being honoured in the October issue of delicious., out on 1 October.
