For a quarter of a century, the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards have celebrated the best of Scotland’s food and drink sector – and last night (4 September), the tradition continued, as industry leaders gathered to honour this year's finalists and winners.
Family-run artisan ice cream producer Orkney Ice Cream emerged as the evening’s biggest winner, taking home both Product of the Year and Dairy Product of the Year (Small Business).
Celebrating 76 years and three generations of craftsmanship, the family-run business has built its reputation on championing local ingredients and pushing the boundaries of flavour – from indulgent Toffee Fudge and comforting Apple Crumble to the zesty twist of Marmalade Cheesecake.
The Excellence Awards have been the highest accolades in the industry for more than 20 years, and this year comprised 12 tasted awards and 10 business categories.
Charles Macleod won the Meat Product of the Year for its provision of high-quality Stornoway Black Pudding, made with Scottish oatmeal to give a unique texture and flavour.
In the business categories East Lothian butchery John Gilmour Butchers secured the Best for Scottish (Independent Business) award, while Mossgiel Organic Dairy secured the Organic Business of the Year.
Iain Baxter, Chief Executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “The Excellence Awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding producers whose passion, innovation, and hard work continue to drive Scotland’s food and drink industry forward. The quality of this year’s entries has been exceptional, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship that set new standards for our sector.
“Congratulations to all the winners and finalists – their success is a true reflection of the strength and reputation of Scotland’s world-class food and drink community.”
Celebrating their achievement on the night, Graham Bichan at Orkney Ice Cream, said: “It feels absolutely incredible to win Product of the Year, I am completely shell-shocked.
“Winning this Award is validation. We strive to do our best, and this is testament to that. I'd recommend all businesses to enter next year.”
Ashley Connolly, Local Buying Manager for Scotland at Asda, headline sponsor of The Excellence Awards, added: “It’s a huge pleasure to be part of this wonderful event once again. We’ve spent more than 10 years as lead sponsors of The Excellence Awards, and each year Scottish food and drink producers blow us away with the world-class quality of their products.
“This year has been no different, with outstanding products on offer from right across the country. Congratulations to this year’s winners and finalists as they lead the way for Scotland's thriving food and drink industry.”
The annual Awards, which recognise the highest quality produce alongside the leading individuals, suppliers, and companies, received more than 200 entries across all categories, and are organised by Scotland Food & Drink, supported by headline sponsor Asda.
Winners of the 2025 Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards
| Category | Entry | Product Name/Winner Name |
| Artisan Product of the Year | Seilich | Meadow Blend Tea |
| Bakery Product of the Year | The Real Food Cafe Tyndrum | Cinnamon Muffin Roll |
| Beer & Cider Product of the Year | Cairngorm Brewery Co. | Black Gold |
| Best for Scottish (Independent Business) | John Gilmour Butchers | — |
| Best for Scottish (Multiple Operator) | Aldi | — |
| Business Innovation Award | Angus Soft Fruits | — |
| Dairy Product of the Year (Large Business) | Graham's The Family Dairy | Graham's Isle of Skye Sea Salt Butter |
| Dairy Product of the Year (Small Business) | Orkney Ice Cream | J Gow Rum Soaked Raisin Orkney Ice Cream |
| Distilling Product of the Year (Dark Spirits) | Isle of Barra Distillers | Island Dark Rum |
| Distilling Product of the Year (White Spirits) | North Uist Distillery | Downpour Scottish Dry Gin |
| Employer of the Year | Farne Salmon & Trout | — |
| Farm to Fork Producer of the Year | Duncan Farms | — |
| Fish & Seafood Product of the Year | Loch Duart Salmon | Signature Double Smoked Salmon |
| Food & Drink Campaign of the Year | Simon Howie Foods | — |
| Food Tourism Business Award | Hebrides Cruises | — |
| Healthy or Free From Product of the Year | ÒR-ganic | — |
| Meat Product of the Year | Charles Macleod | Stornoway Black Pudding |
| Organic Business of the Year Award | Mossgiel Organic Dairy | — |
| Savoury Accompaniment of the Year | School Yard Kitchen | Dark Chocolate Chilli Pretzels |
| Scotch Brand Product of the Year | Aldi | Specially Selected 40-Day Matured Aberdeen Angus Ribeye Steak |
| Sustainability Award | Mackintosh of Glendaveny | — |
| Sweet Accompaniment of the Year | Aldi | Specially Selected Sicilian Lemon Shortbread Rounds |
| Young Talent Award | Lazy Day Foods | Amy Gillies |
| Product of the Year | Orkney Ice Cream | J Gow Rum Soaked Raisin Orkney Ice Cream |
