Thurso bakers on the rise
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A THURSO bakery has been recognised for its product innovation and success on the international market.
Reids of Caithness will be the county’s only representative at the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards next month.
Recognising excellence and achievement in the food and drink industry, the awards are organised by the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Forum and supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
The company has been nominated for two awards – the New Product Award for its innovative range of shortbread and oatcakes and the Distance No Object Award due to its excellent performance on the international market.
Managing director Gary Reid, who runs the business with his brother, Graeme, said that the company is hugely proud to be nominated for the awards.
He said: "To be short-listed for two of the categories at the HIFDA shows the commitment that we have in looking at developing our products forward and becoming a major player in the international market."
The company recently won two-star gold in the 2011 Great Taste Awards for its Banoffee Oatie – one of the numerous accolades it has acquired over the past few years.
Gary Reid was yesterday at the Speciality and Fine Food Fair in London representing his company.
It has a stand in the Scottish Pavilion where it is showcasing its latest product range and new package design.
"Our new tartan packaging is going down an absolute treat," he said.
"We have had a lot of positive comment from the public.
"We discussed with specialists in the field about what we had in mind to provide a premium product to the mass market.
"But also we wanted to aim to capitalise on the tartan image of Scotland to the export markets, and it is a huge brand to sell."
Other categories in the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards recognise healthier food and drink, innovation, new products, new businesses, and businesses working in collaboration with each other.
Quintin Stevens, co-chair of the awards, said with strong competition amid a larger entry field than previous years, the short-listed businesses and organisations are representative of the top-quality produce available across the Highlands and Islands.
The winners in each category will be revealed at a spectacular awards dinner hosted by BBC Scotland’s Catriona Shearer and showcasing delicious, quality food and drink from the region at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness, on Friday, October 21.
Tickets for the awards dinner are available by visiting www.hifoodanddrinkawards.com or by telephoning 0845 838 2748.
