Scotmid and the Co-op are joining forces with celebrated Stirlingshire chef Nick Nairn to launch the first-ever Co-op Scottish Supplier Awards 2018 in partnership with Scotmid scheduled to take place in Glasgow in September.
The two convenience retailers, who between them stock over 1,800 Scottish lines, will celebrate the great and the good of the Scottish food industry across sectors including bakery, grocery, fresh, beers, wines and spirits and will also reward those that contribute to local life or have demonstrated sustainability in their food production.
Nairn, who became the youngest Scottish chef to win a Michelin star, will head up the heavyweight industry judging panel using his expert taste buds to help Co-op and Scotmid chiefs find their foodie victors. Winners will be awarded at a glittering ceremony on Wednesday 12 September in Glasgow which is set to be hosted by television favourite, Jennifer Reoch.
Nairn said: “I was raised on delicious home grown Scottish food and I’m thrilled that my fellow Scots are just as passionate about buying, cooking and eating Scottish food as I am. It’s great to see two of our largest convenience retailers really putting our national food names in the spotlight.”
Stephen Brown, Local Sourcing Manager at Scotmid Co-operative, said: “Scotmid is committed to providing our customers and members with excellent produce available locally and recognised nationally for its high quality.
“The advent of the Scottish Food Supplier Awards provides us with a great opportunity to shine the spotlight and recognise excellent local produce; ranging from globally recognised brands to small family businesses.”
CJ Antal Smith, Co-op’s Trading Director, commented: “Food provenance means everything to our customers and members here in Scotland – they’re passionate about buying great quality, delicious home-grown fare. We‘re delighted to be launching the inaugural Scottish Supplier Awards which will give us the perfect opportunity to celebrate the colossal gastronomic and economic that Scotland’s farmers, growers and suppliers make to the foodie landscape.”
Simon Dryell, Head of Local Sourcing at the Co-op, added: “As a community retailer, locally sourced produce is an area where we’re seeing continued growth driven by consumer demand for trust, provenance and quality.
“We’re also committed to celebrating, supporting and showcasing our smaller local producers whose products consistently display an inspiring mix of quality, pride, history and innovation.”
Entry details can be found at: www.coop.co.uk/scotawards