Innovation Awards 2013 Foreword

Welcome to the annual Grampian Food Forum Innovation Awards. Grampian food and drink companies undoubtedly lead the way when it comes to innovation and it is this innovation that in turn has led to the continued success of the food and drink industry in our region. This year we have another hugely impressive selection of new products and the judges’ task will certainly not be easy, although I’m sure it will be enjoyable. Good luck to all the entrants this evening and more importantly good luck with sales of your products hereafter.

Mac Mackie Mackie’s of Scotland Chairman of the Grampian Food Forum

2 Judges

Final Judging Panel Peter Bruce, Entier Ltd Colin Henry, Entier Ltd Lorna Murray, ASDA Simon Cousins, BBC Scotland Category Judges Dr Alan Rowe, Dr Sue Bird, Calum Maclachlan and Dr Alex Johnstone of the Rowett Institute of Health and Nutrition Ceri Ritchie, David Lamb and Patrick Hughes of SAC Consulting Anna Mitchell of Castleton Farm Shop Adam Hardie, Graeme Fraser and Fiona Kenneth of Johnston Carmichael James Withers of Scotland Food & Drink Gerry McBride of Skills Development Scotland Product Prepared By Ross Spence, Marcliffe Hotel and Spa

3 Innovation Awards Categories 2013

Page

Most Successful Product from the 2012 Awards 8 Sponsored by SAC Food & Drink and Aberdeenshire Council

Best New Retail Product for businesses with more than 25 employees 12 Sponsored by Grampian Food Forum

Best New Retail Product for businesses with up to 25 employees 20 Sponsored by Grampian Food Forum

Taste of Grampian Local Independent Retailer of the Year 26 Sponsored by SAC Food & Drink and Taste of Grampian

Commitment to Healthy Eating 30 Sponsored by Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health

6 Best New Foodservice Product for businesses with more than 25 employees 34 Sponsored by Grampian Food Forum

Best New Foodservice Product for businesses with up to 25 employees 36 Sponsored by Grampian Food Forum

Best Packaging 41 Sponsored by Anderson’s Packaging (Aberdeen) Ltd

Investing in Skills Development 42 Sponsored by Skills Development Scotland

Grampian Food & Drink Entrepreneur 46 Sponsored by Johnston Carmichael

Judges’ Choice 50 Sponsored by The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa

7 The Award for the Most Successful Product from the 2012 Awards

Open to companies which reached the final of the 2012 Awards.

Prize – A specially engraved trophy and certificate.

Winner –

8 The Most Successful Product from the 2012 Awards

Dean’s Cheese Oat Nibbles Range Dean’s Of Huntly Ltd Contact Siobhan Ingram on 01466 792086 or [email protected] The Dean’s Cheese Oat Nibbles range comprises three indulgent and mouth-watering flavours. These bite-sized snacks are made using a rich all butter recipe, Scottish Oats and Seriously® Strong Extra Mature Cheddar, the UK’s number one intensely flavoured extra mature cheddar. This range presents an extremely exciting development for Dean’s as a result of our collaboration with the Seriously® Strong brand.

Gold Top Premium Ice Cream 1litre James Rizza & Sons Ltd Contact Donald Morrison on 01466 792847 or [email protected] Gold Top is our top of the range premium luxury ice cream which has won numerous awards and is made with double cream from Jersey cows.

9 The Most Successful Product from the 2012 Awards

Ola Chilli Jam Ola Oils Ltd Contact John Sorrie on 01467 622359 or [email protected] Ola Chilli Jam is the perfect accompaniment to many different foods: ideal with cheeses, meats, fish, as a dip or as a stir-fry ingredient. It combines a tomato base with our Chilli infused Ola oil and chilli flakes to give a sweet yet spicy addition to any meal or snack. Ola Chilli Jam is handmade and simmers gently in large pans to give it a rich texture and flavour.

10 “Scotland Food & Drink is a vitally important organisation doing sterling work to promote all that is great about our food and drink industry, not just in Scotland but worldwide. We have an enviable international reputation within our sector which we should quite rightly shout about. An industry voice that can be heard at the highest level is very important, having far reaching consequences for a positive future. Business is all about people no matter what area you are involved in and Scotland Food & Drink are people who are there to facilitate for our industry.” Keith Whyte, Mitchells Dairy

“Scotland Food & Drink is a supportive network, offering advice and information on all aspects of the industry we operate in. The organisation brings the food and drink industry together to a central point which has led the sector to great success. Being a member of Scotland Food & Drink is valuable to any business as it allows you to pick and choose which benefits suit you.” Siobhan Ingram, Dean’s of Huntly

The Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards, ‘Oscars’ of the industry, are open for entries. Apply until Friday 29th March at www.scotlandfoodanddrink.org/events/excellence-awards

Scotland Food & Drink – Building Scotland’s Reputation as A Land of Food and Drink The Grampian Food Forum Award for the Best New Retail Product launched in 2012

For businesses with more than 25 employees.

Prize – 1st prize £500 and a specially engraved trophy and certificate. 2nd and 3rd receive a specially engraved trophy and certificate.

Winner – 2nd – 3rd –

12 Best New Retail Product for businesses with more than 25 employees

Smoked Salmon and Langoustine Wraps, The “Buckie” Dressed Crab, “Buckie” Stuffed Langoustine Associated Seafoods Ltd Contact Henry Angus on 01542 831000 or [email protected] Cooked and roasted langoustines, smoked salmon and fresh crab have been combined in a sumptuous range of ready to eat products highlighting the very best of the Moray Firth’s natural larder. Bursting with natural flavours these dishes make an indulgent starter for any special occasion. Serve with a side salad and freshly baked bread.

Audrey Baxter – Passion Fruit & Mango Curd Baxters Food Group Contact Dorothy Smith on 07799 334975 or [email protected] Our Passion Fruit and Mango Curd is slowly cooked to give a wonderful velvety texture. Exotic passion fruit combines beautifully with mango to give this heavenly curd its impactful flavour. Delicious on warm scones or as an ingredient in baking.

13 Best New Retail Product for businesses with more than 25 employees

Audrey Baxter – Papaya & Mango Chutney Baxters Food Group Contact Dorothy Smith on 07799 334975 or [email protected] This sweet and spicy aromatic chutney is a wonderful combination of papaya and mango with black onion seeds and balanced perfectly with mild spices to create this delicious aromatic chutney. The perfect partner for curry.

The Audrey Baxter Relish Range Cucumber, Shallot and Mint, Mild Mustard, Spicy Red Onion Baxters Food Group Contact Dorothy Smith on 07799 334975 or [email protected] Our range of relishes are made with simple good ingredients, delicately cooked to retain fresh flavours and texture. Our unusual flavour combinations include Cucumber Shallot and Mint and aromatic flavours such as Spicy Red Onion and a delicious old family Mild Mustard Relish recipe. Audrey Baxter Relishes make good food great.

14 Best New Retail Product for businesses with more than 25 employees

Mary Steele Speciality Biscuits The Petit Four Delightful Duet, The Splendid Oat Biscuit Selection, The Exquisite Biscuit Selection (Lemon Meringue) Dean’s of Huntly Ltd Contact Siobhan Ingram on 01466 792086 or [email protected] For Mary Steele, when it came to home-baked biscuits, good enough simply wouldn’t do. She was a true perfectionist, always trying to make the next tray of delicious creations more tempting than the last. Today, we’re baking with Mary Steele’s same passion, so you too can enjoy biscuits that turn the finest ingredients into something truly out of the ordinary.

Beef Moussaka Donald Russell Ltd Contact Stefan Kolsch on 01467 622601 or [email protected] This Beef Moussaka, with its comforting, mildly spiced aroma and tender layers of meaty beef and pork mince, aubergine and potato, all topped with a creamy sauce and a smattering of cheddar cheese, is a dish which will truly make you feel warm and cosy inside.

15 Best New Retail Product for businesses with more than 25 employees

Chunky Farmhouse Soup – Cullen Skink Donald Russell Ltd Contact Stefan Kolsch on 01467 622601 or [email protected] A traditional soup, from the North East of Scotland. Our Cullen Skink is a luxuriously rich, creamy chowder, made with juicy smoked haddock, potatoes and fresh double cream. Each soup is one generous serving and heats from frozen in just 8 minutes.

Fondant Puddings Selection Donald Russell Ltd Contact Stefan Kolsch on 01467 622601 or [email protected] A selection of dreamy, melting, hot pudding desserts with fresh fruit and the finest chocolate. These richly flavoured fondant puddings are an effortless treat ready in just 30 minutes from frozen.

16 Best New Retail Product for businesses with more than 25 employees

Banffshire Breakfast Butteries J G Ross (Bakers) Ltd Contact Graeme Ross on 01467 626980 or [email protected] A twist on the standard buttery, the Banffshire Breakfast Buttery is enriched with (>15%) locally grown and milled oats and boasts both reduced salt (<25%) and fat (<15%) content. Handmade in the time honoured way this buttery is sure to have wide appeal.

Mackie’s Indulgent Dairy Ice Cream Range Cookie Biscuit, Madagascan Vanilla Mackie’s of Scotland Contact Stuart Common or Bill Thain on 01467 671466 or [email protected] Mackie’s two exciting new flavours present a new version of two classic ice cream flavours. Cookie Biscuit is a unique biscuit flavoured ice cream with cookie pieces. Mackie’s Madagascan Vanilla is a smooth, warm, comforting ice cream with a delicious creamy vanilla flavour hit and lingering aftertaste. Delicious on their own or served as an accompaniment. www.mackies.co.uk

17 Best New Retail Product for businesses with more than 25 employees

250ml Double Cream, 250ml Single Cream Mitchells Contact Keith Whyte on 01467 621389 or [email protected] Mitchells 250ml Double and Single Cream is now available in easy to hold, pour and re-seal containers – gone are the days of split messy tubs with awkward to replace lids. Mitchells – the cream of Aberdeenshire.

18 At Asda we want to provide our customers with the products that they really want. Scotland has a reputation for producing delicious local food and drink and we’re delighted to support the Grampian Food Forum Awards which recognise the high standards of quality and innovation in the industry.

We’ve been working with Scottish producers from the region for many years and we’re looking forward to discovering even more local talent as we grow our offering of over 1000 Scottish lines in our stores.

Please contact [email protected] for more information The Grampian Food Forum Award for the Best New Retail Product launched in 2012

For businesses with up to 25 employees.

Prize – 1st prize £500 and a specially engraved trophy and certificate. 2nd and 3rd receive a specially engraved trophy and certificate.

Winner – 2nd – 3rd –

20 Best New Retail Product for businesses with up to 25 employees

Gourmet Berry Fudge Range Raspberry & White Chocolate Fudge, Strawberry Shortcake Fudge, Raspberry & Dark Chocolate Fudge Berry Scrumptious Contact Claire Rennie on 01346 571111 or [email protected] A luxury, indulgent fudge, handmade made on our family farm using freeze dried raspberries and strawberries. The range includes a total of four flavours and is an attractive addition to any farm shop, delicatessen, garden centre or food hall shelf. Available direct from Berry Scrumptious or from The Cress Company.

Castleton Farm Handmade Jam Raspberry, Blueberry, Castleton Trio of Berries Castleton Farm Shop Contact Anna Mitchell on 01561 321155 or [email protected] Castleton Handmade Jam is made in small batches using only natural ingredients – berries and sugar. No preservatives or gelling agents are added, which is what gives the jam its berrylicious flavour. The berries for the jam are all grown, picked and preserved at Castleton Farm, a family run business based near Fordoun, Laurencekirk in the North-East of Scotland.

21 Best New Retail Product for businesses with up to 25 employees

Graphic Print Belgian Chocolate Shapes Novelty Shapes with Ginger, Novelty Shapes with Popping Candy Fizzy Parties Contact Felicity Macdonald on 019755 64360 or [email protected] Current flavours include milk, plain, white, orange, strawberry, caramel, honey, key-lime and milk/plain/honey ginger. Products include lollichocs, chocolate popping candy, chocolate stirrer with marshmallows and bulk buy of individual shapes. Edible transfer print designs available for all events. Why not contact us and let Fizzy Parties transfer your logo/art-work onto chocolate shapes?

Dairy Mint Chocolate Chip 110ml Spoon and Lid James Rizza & Sons Ltd Contact Donald Morrison on 01466 792847 or [email protected] Our luxury Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream is made using double cream and fresh milk from a local dairy. Combining our award winning Dairy Ice Cream recipe with luxurious Belgian chocolate chips, our product is gluten free and suitable for vegetarians.

22 Best New Retail Product for businesses with up to 25 employees

Kincardine Kitchen Savoury Range Spicy Rosemary Peanuts, Cheese Crispies Kincardine Kitchen Contact Nicky Bradford on 013398 84225 or [email protected] Roasted salted peanuts pan-fried in olive oil with garlic, chillies, rosemary and honey. This delicious savoury nibble combines the saltiness of roasted peanuts with the sweetness of honey and a chilli bite. The Cheese Crispies are little cheesey biscuits hand made with mature Cheddar, butter and flour and baked till golden.

Ola Aioli Ola Oils Ltd Contact John Sorrie on 01467 622359 or [email protected] Ola Aioli is a very garlicky mayonnaise hand made in small batches combining garlic infused Ola Oil, free range egg and toasted garlic pieces to give the perfect accompaniment to any savoury dish. Made with Ola Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil, Ola Aioli has half the saturated fat and ten times the omega 3 compared to traditional aioli.

23 Best New Retail Product for businesses with up to 25 employees

Luxury Ice Cream 125ml Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate Simpsons Buckie Ltd Contact Dougall Simpson on 01542 832222 or [email protected] High quality luxury ice cream, in vanilla, strawberry and chocolate made with full fat milk, high quality flavourings and no added water. Enjoy luxury ice cream on the go.

Premium Kids Sausages Little Oink’s, Little Moo’s Speyside Specialities Contact David Lawson on 01542 831320 or [email protected] Our little one says “They taste yummy” and we would have to agree. Not only are Little Oinks and Little Moos the perfect size for our little one but they are also lower in fat and salt, just what we need when feeding a healthier diet.

24 Best New Retail Product for businesses with up to 25 employees

Hot Smoked Trout Pate with Horseradish and Dill The Smokehouse Aberdeenshire Ltd Contact John Cooper on 0845 201 2568 or [email protected]

Single Distillery Salmon Range (Glendronach Salmon) The Smokehouse Aberdeenshire Ltd Contact John Cooper on 0845 201 2568 or [email protected] A range of artisan smoked salmon with single distillery origin. Sustainably farmed Scottish salmon cured in single malts and smoked over the very cask the spirit was matured in. A real gourmet treat for whisky and smoked food lovers.

25 The Taste of Grampian Local Independent Retailer of the Year

For a retail outlet that ‘champions local food and drink’ and supports other local food and drink producers.

Prize – a free stand at Taste of Grampian and a specially engraved trophy and certificate.

Winner –

26 Taste of Grampian Local Independent Retailer of the Year

Balmakewan Farm Shop Contact Phil Swire on 01674 840488 or [email protected] Balmakewan is a small family run Farm and Farm Shop with an adjoining Tea Room in South Aberdeenshire. We aim to offer a consistently good breakfast and lunch. Come along to try our Tea Room delights, our home made breakfast and lunch menu, our well stocked farm shop and delicatessen, as well as enjoy our gentle farm walk. www.facebook.com/balmakewan www.balmakewan.co.uk

Formartine’s Visitor Centre LLP Contact John Cooper on 01651 851123 or [email protected] Shop - Eat - Walk - Play Set in stunning woodland at the edge of Haddo Estate, experience the rich sights, tastes and sounds of Aberdeenshire. Food Hall - Gift Shop - Eatery - Woodland Walks - Play Area

27 Taste of Grampian Local Independent Retailer of the Year

Gordon & MacPhail Retail Contact Mark Angus on 01343 545110 or [email protected] Established in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail’s Retail Shop is located in South Street in Elgin. Throughout its long history the family owners of the shop have continued to strive to stock the highest quality products and deliver the best possible customer service. The retail shop is the ‘spiritual’ home of Gordon & MacPhail.

Haigs Foodhall Contact Julie Haig on 01224 638525 or [email protected] Haigs is a family owned business with a specialist food hall situated in the heart of Aberdeen city centre. Our focus is on bringing high quality local produce direct into the heart of the city. We specialise in fresh meat, but also bring various ancillary produce to compliment this. Quality, local and affordable produce is our promise to our customers.

28 Taste of Grampian Local Independent Retailer of the Year

Mitchells Contact Keith Whyte on 01467 621389 or [email protected] Since 1928 we here at Mitchells have been supplying the very best of local produce – sold in our shop and eaten in our tearoom. Customers know that we offer in season produce that’s brought to them with passion from our suppliers and a smile from our staff. We can honestly say we offer a true taste of the North East and quite rightly proud to say so. Come and enjoy our experience.

The Green Grocer Contact Connie Sorrie on 01467 620245 or [email protected] The Green Grocer focuses on providing local produce and a level of service not found in supermarkets. Specialist diets including gluten free and dairy free are catered for and the shop operates a very popular weekly fruit and vegetable box service. A range of wholefoods, organic and Fair Trade products are also stocked.

29 The Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health Award for Commitment to Healthy Eating

Open to companies which in 2012 have demonstrated a strong commitment to developing and incorporating healthy eating qualities into one or more of their products.

Prize – £500 plus a specially engraved trophy and certificate.

Winner –

30 Commitment to Healthy Eating

Nino’s Indian Masala Sauce Nino’s Masala and Fine Indian Cuisine Contact Nino Khan on 01224 592701 or [email protected] Nino’s Masala, an authentic versatile sauce based on a family recipe. Free of artificial colouring and preservatives and suitable for those with dairy product and gluten intolerance. Add any meat and vegetables to make an authentic curry.

31 Commitment to Healthy Eating

Pulsetta Rolls Plenta Foods Limited Contact Dr Karsten Karcher on 07710 136591 or [email protected] Pulsetta Rolls are a delicious health food innovation with a global patent pending, made primarily of pulses (peas and lentils), containing their vitamins, minerals, protein and fibre. Pulsetta Rolls are all-natural, with no artificial anything or GMO. Full of natural nutrition, Pulsetta Rolls are also gluten-free and free-from all major food allergens, suitable for coeliacs, vegetarians and vegans.

32 www.keenanrecycling.co.uk www.keenanrecycling.co.uk

Keenan Recycling is one of Scotland’s leading organic recycling companies.

GET READY FOR THE NEW FOOD WASTE REGULATIONS THAT START AT THE END OF THIS YEAR Keenan Recycling is Aberdeenshire’s local food waste collection company. Every Restaurant, hotel and food processor that has more than 50kg of food waste per week must by January 2014 separate their food waste for recycling. Be sure to act now and secure your food waste in our local collection service, space is limited and filling up fast. DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT BY LEAVING IT TO THE LAST MINUTE

To find out more visit www.keenanrecycling.co.uk

Creating a greener future... 33 The Grampian Food Forum Award for the Best New Foodservice Product launched in 2012

For businesses with more than 25 employees.

Prize – £500 plus a specially engraved trophy and certificate.

Winner –

34 Best New Foodservice Product for businesses with more than 25 employees

Damson & Oat Dairy Ice Cream Mackie’s of Scotland Contact Bill Thain on 01467 671466 or [email protected] A creamy ice cream made with whole milk, cream and swirled with damson fruit pieces and oat flakes. A unique new flavour from Mackie’s which is delicious as a traditional treat on its own in addition to its use as an ingredient or accompaniment to desserts. See more on recipes at www.mackies.co.uk.

Sicilian Lemon Pot Macphie of Glenbervie Ltd Contact Gillian Williamson on 01569 740641 or [email protected] The latest addition to the Macphie range of ready-to-use desserts is Sicilian Lemon Pot. A refreshingly smooth and creamy dessert made using real Sicilian lemon juice. Simply, heat, chill and serve to create delicious desserts. Versatile and delicious, Sicilian Lemon Pot can be used to make Tart au Citron, Lemon Sorbet or Limoncello Posset.

35 The Grampian Food Forum Award for the Best New Foodservice Product launched in 2012

For businesses with up to 25 employees.

Prize – £500 plus a specially engraved trophy and certificate.

Winner –

36 Best New Foodservice Product for businesses with up to 25 employees

Mini Cakes Range Cherry, Courgette and Walnut, Chocolate and Beetroot Alan Bruce Cakes Contact Alan Bruce on 07766 298794 or [email protected] A range of cakes made using no gluten containing ingredients (some have been tested and are gluten free) individually wrapped and labelled ready for customers to enjoy with their coffee.

ETHYCO Range Fairtrade Espresso Beans, Fairtrade Ground Coffees, Fairtrade Coffee Retail Packs Caber Coffee Ltd Contact Findlay Leask on 01224 212515 or [email protected] ETHYCO is Fairtrade Coffee for the Community – 2% of all sales of ETHYCO ingredients are donated to Social Enterprise projects in the UK. Using high-grade Arabica and Robusta beans we have delivered a bold, modern espresso bean and a delicious, aromatic and nutty filter coffee.

37 Best New Foodservice Product for businesses with up to 25 employees

Cocoa Ooze Ice Cream Range White Chocolate Raspberry, Milk Chocolate Truffle Cooca Ooze Ltd Contact Louise Shankley on 01224 467212 or [email protected] The new Cocoa Ooze ice cream range combines quality dairy ice cream and luxury chocolate to produce two unique flavours inspired by popular Cocoa Ooze products.

Butter Pecan Ice Cream 5 Litre Raspberry and Strawberry Sorbet 2.5 litre James Rizza & Sons Ltd Contact Donald Morrison on 01466 792847 or [email protected] Luxury Butter Pecan ice cream made with double cream and fresh milk from a local dairy. A delicious combination of the finest raspberries and strawberries, this sorbet is available in 2.5 litres. An ideal dessert for any occasion. Gluten Free. Suitable for vegetarians.

38 Best New Foodservice Product for businesses with up to 25 employees

500ml Rapeseed Oil EV Plain Rapeseed Oil, Lemon Infused Oil, Garlic Infused Oil Mackintosh of Glendaveny Ltd Gregor Mackintosh, 01779 870000 or [email protected] Our Sustainable plastic 500ml range has been developed specifically for our foodservice customers who like to purchase our oils in bottle form. The range takes the glass risk out of the food environment and allows our oils to be used on salad bars without the safety concerns and is ideal for customers with increasing sustainability and waste targets.

Ola Aioli 2kg Ola Oils Ltd Contact John Sorrie 01467 622359 [email protected] Ola Aioli is a very garlicky mayonnaise, handmade in small batches combining garlic infused Ola Oil, free range egg and toasted garlic pieces to give the perfect accompaniment to any savoury dish. Made with Ola Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil, Ola Aioli has half the saturated fat and ten times the level of Omega 3 compared to regular aioli.

39 Best New Foodservice Product for businesses with up to 25 employees

Smoked Almonds The Smokehouse Aberdeenshire Ltd Contact John Cooper on 0845 201 2568 or [email protected] Smoked and Kiln roasted Organic Almonds seasoned with Scottish sea salt and rapeseed oil. Our smoked almonds are a fantastic snack, with all the health benefits of nuts, but with a huge extra punch of seasoning and smoky flavours.

40 The Anderson’s Packaging (Aberdeen) Ltd Award for the Best Packaging

Open to finalists of the Best New Retail and Best New Foodservice Product categories.

Prize – £500 plus a specially engraved trophy and certificate.

Winner –

41 The Skills Development Scotland Award for Investing in Skills Development

For the business that has shown the greatest achievement in raising the skills of their workforce and achieving business benefits.

Prize – consultancy support to the value of £500 from Scotland Food & Drink Skills Academy to support workforce development activity within their business plus a specially engraved trophy and certificate.

Winner –

42 Investing in Skills Development

Dean’s of Huntly Ltd Contact Anne McArthur on 01466 792086 or [email protected] In this highly competitive business world, it is much easier to compete with a strong team equipped with relevant skills. The growth and development of our workforce probably is the highest calling. Here at Dean’s motivating and fostering employee engagement is our approach to future proofing our productivity and performance.

International Fish Canners Holdings Ltd Contact Adeline Ross on 01346 513191 or [email protected] International Fish Canners (Scotland) Ltd is based in Fraserburgh along with Nor-sea Foods Ltd with an additional Nor-Sea facility in Aberdeen. All our companies have achieved higher level accreditation from EFSIS/BRC. They are committed to processing fish from sustainable and manageable sources. IFC was established in 1979. We focus on the production of canned mackerel fillets and sardines. Nor-sea was founded in 1974. In Aberdeen we cold smoke white fish and kippers. In Fraserburgh we hot smoke to produce chilled, ready to eat, mackerel fillets.

43 Investing in Skills Development

J G Ross (Bakers) Ltd Contact Graeme Ross on 01467 626980 or [email protected] J G Ross is an awarding winning craft bakery based in Inverurie employing 320 people. Being a 2nd generation family business we believe it is essential to have fully trained and respected staff. It is after all one big happy family. At our recent 50th anniversary awards dinner 38 staff received gifts in recognition of 10 years service or over.

Mitchells Contact Keith Whyte on 01467 621389 or [email protected] At Mitchells with the help of our staff we ultimately sell satisfaction. Our aim is to exceed customer expectations and needs every time for everything we do. Business, after all, is all about people.

44 of Grampian Saturday 1st June 2013 We’ve Thainstone Centre, Inverurie produced it...... so you can Scotland’s premier food festival celebrating enjoy it the richness & diversity of grampian’s larder

Stands on sale now www.tasteofgrampian.co.uk The Johnston Carmichael Award for the Grampian Food & Drink Entrepreneur 2013

For the top food and drink entrepreneur in Grampian in 2013.

Prize – a free strategic business review with the Johnston Carmichael food and drink team valued at £500 plus a specially engraved trophy and certificate.

Winner –

46 Grampian Food & Drink Entrepreneur 2013

Jamie Hutcheon Cocoa Ooze Ltd Contact Jamie Hutcheon on 01224 467212 or [email protected] Jamie Hutcheon launched Cocoa Ooze in October 2008 when he was working as a chef at the Marcliffe Hotel. The business was growing quickly and Jamie opened Cocoa Ooze’s first coffee shop in August 2011. As well as being a coffee shop, it is an outlet for manufacturing and selling chocolate. There is now a small team working on the different strands of the business including chocolate gifts, workshops for kids/adults and corporate away days.

Robert Chapman Farmlay Eggs Contact Robert Chapman on 01346 532276 or [email protected] Farmlay Eggs is a family owned and run egg producing, packing and retail business based in the heart of Buchan, an area renowned for its food production. We supply to a major supermarket, discounter and several major foodservice outlets for the whole of Scotland.

47 Grampian Food & Drink Entrepreneur 2013

Graeme and Cameron Ross J G Ross (Bakers) Ltd Contact Graeme Ross on 01467 626980 or [email protected] JG Ross (Bakers) Ltd is a second generation family business operating from Inverurie. The business was founded in 1962 by the current directors’ parents in a cottage bakery in Auchleven. The business grew and developed both organically and through acquisition and moved to larger premises in 1973 and again in 2007 to its current site at Highclere Business Park, Inverurie.

Gregor Mackintosh Mackintosh of Glendaveny Gregor Mackintosh, 01779 870000 or [email protected] Mackintosh of Glendaveny has been established by Gregor Mackintosh who launched the business at the age of 21 in March 2009 producing home grown, Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed Rapeseed oils on the family farm in Glendaveny. The business has been trading nearly four years and is already recognised as a multi award winning business.

48 Grampian Food & Drink Entrepreneur 2013

Peter Walker Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course Contact Peter Walker on 01651 872294 or [email protected] Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Club is a one-off, independently owned hotel and golf course located on the 280-acre historic Meldrum House estate that dates back to the 13th Century. In 2009 a dynamic new management team was appointed and they embarked upon a major refurbishment and upgrade programme that has seen the business take a step-change forward to present a truly unique and very special offer in Scotland.

49 The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa Award for the Judges’ Choice

For a product or company that stood out in the view of the judges. All finalists have been considered.

Prize – A corporate dinner at the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa to the value of £500.

Winner –

50 Sponsored and supported by:

Produced by Aberdeenshire Council GDT20784 March 2013