Got an Orkney food and drink product you just can’t live without? Enjoyed a great lunch, dinner or takeaway in the islands? Love how a particular local retailer does business?
If so, the organisers of the 2024 Taste of Orkney Food and Drink Awards want to hear from you.
The biennial awards recognise the very best of Orkney producers, while also helping highlight the huge range and quality of food and drink on offer in the county.
Twelve award categories for the event cover everything from the best bar and takeaway meals to the finest bakery, fish, drink and dairy products. Voters can also nominate their favourite café, tearoom, or local food retailer.
Eventual winners will be decided on the strength of the public vote alone, though a 13th award category - covering outstanding performance in the local food and drink sector - will be judged by the directors of OFD.
Voting for the 2024 Taste of Orkney Food and Drink Awards is now open online and will run over the next two summers. There’s also a QR code available for quick access to the voting page from mobile devices (copied below).
Edgar Balfour, project manager for Orkney Food and Drink, said: “The Taste of Orkney Food and Drink Awards have continued to grow in strength, with the 2022 event attracting over 21,000 votes. That was a tremendous public response, one which reflects how passionate folk are about Orkney’s superb and varied range of food and drink, and the independent retailers who champion those products. It would be fantastic if we could exceed that number of votes for the 2024 awards as the event gives all of the producers and businesses involved such a massive boost. So, if you’ve enjoyed product or service, we want to hear about it!”
The main sponsors at the awards will again be NorthLink Ferries and Highland Park Distillery. A gala awards presentation event will be held in late 2024, with details shared on the Orkney Food and Drink section of the Orkney.com website.
Billy Robb, customer service director at Serco NorthLink Ferries, said: “It’s a pleasure to sponsor the fantastic Taste of Orkney Food and Drink Awards once again. We’re lucky that so many world class food and drink producers call Orkney home, and it’s right that they are celebrated for putting the Northern Isles on the map as a must-visit destination for foodies.
“We pride ourselves in using locally sourced produce on board our ships wherever possible, from the beverages offered in our bar to the extensive menu available in our restaurant, which makes these awards all the more important to us.”
Graham Bruce, visits and retail operations manager at Highland Park Distillery, said: “At Highland Park we are passionate about our home, and the world class range of food and drink available in the Orkney Islands. The Taste of Orkney Food and Drink Awards is an opportunity for us all to collectively celebrate the passion and craft of the businesses who champion this thriving industry. We look forward to recognising our fellow local businesses at the 2024 awards.”
