Search is on for the north-east's young food and drink stars
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The search is on for the young stars of the food and drink sector with entries for the Inspirational Young Person Award open now until midnight July 3.
The award is designed to shine a light on the inspiring stories of people aged 16-26 who own, work, or study within a food and drink related business, organisation or institution in Scotland.
The winner will receive £500, with the second and third places finalists receiving £300 and £200 respectively.
The award is a joint initiative between Scotland Food & Drink and leading insurer NFU Mutual.
Business owners can nominate their hardworking young staff members - from waiting staff, chefs, bar team members, to bakers, produce makers and behind the scenes crew.
Young people running their own food or drink ventures can nominate themselves and showcase their business and produce.
Previous entries have included artisan bakers, gin makers and confectioners.
The first, second and third place winners will be announced during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight (5-20th September).
Judges are looking for entrants who have a passion for their sector and who are keen to continue to be a future shining example to Scotland’s food and drink sector.
Last year’s winner was 23-year-old Craig Chambers, a Distiller at Dunnet Bay Distillers based in Thurso.
He impressed the judges with his natural flair for the distillery business.
Craig identified improvements and helped create new recipes designed to reduce energy consumption during distilling by 90%, which helped the business during energy price increases.
Since winning the award, Craig has expanded his horizons and is presently on a placement at a distillery in South America.
Craig said: "Winning this award was an amazing high-point for me. I have since been on a placement at a distillery in Argentina to learn even more about the industry and other food and drink cultures.
"The prize money of £500 came in very handy for my travels too."
Mark McBrearty, NFU Mutual’s Regional Manager in Scotland and one of the judges for the award, said: “The importance of young people to Scotland’s food and drink sector cannot be overstated.
"This special award illustrates just how wide a contribution they make and how valuable their drive and innovation are to business success."
Iain Baxter, Chief Executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “I am really looking forward to discovering the wealth of talent – both culinary and business-focused – among the younger generation in our industry.
He added: “Scotland has a proud reputation nationally and internationally for its food, drink and hospitality. Supporting the future of our sector by recognising up and coming talent is crucial to its long-term success.”
How to enter -
Submit your entry or make a nomination here.
Any individual between the ages of 16 and 26 who owns, works, or studies within a food and drink related business, organisation or institution can be nominated or enter on their own behalf.
The winner will receive £500, with the second and third place finalists receiving £300 and £200 respectively.
