The winners of the Grampian Food Forum Innovation Awards were announced on 12th March 2008. Mr Stuart Gates, Director for Signature Food at Harrods, presented the awards at a dinner and ceremony in the Thainstone Exchange, by Inverurie.

Mr Gates judged products along with Mick Whitworth, editor of the Fine Food Digest and Artisan, and Peter Hutchinson, Fleet Manager of Hotel Operations for NorthLink Ferries Ltd. They spent the day tasting and assessing over 50 new products from 19 northeast food and drink companies.

Around 180 guests from the local food and drink industry, retail and foodservice sectors attended the dinner, where Stuart Gates addressed the audience and also announced the winners.

He said: “We have had a great day tasting a diverse range of imaginative products, which have showcased Grampian at its best. The judges enjoyed the opportunity to meet the various producers who were without exception passionate about what they do and should be commended and continue to be encouraged.“

For full details of award winners and runners up please visit http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/support/food/news/gffresults2008.asp