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Celebrating Excellence in Highlands & Islands Food & Drink
The Highlands are home to internationally renowned whisky, seafood, beef, lamb, cheeses, and artisan produce.
For two decades, the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards have been a beacon of excellence, innovation and collaboration, proudly celebrating the incredible achievements of the region. These awards highlight a sector deeply rooted in place, people and provenance.
Renowned across the industry, the Awards are more than a celebration – they are a platform to inspire, connect and showcase.
As the Awards celebrate 20 years of excellence, we are building on their strong foundations through a dynamic partnership approach. By working closely with industry leaders and delivery partners, we aim to strengthen the impact of the Awards and support the continued growth of the Highlands and Islands food and drink sector.
Thursday 7th May 2026, Kingsmills Hotel
The Highlands & Islands Food and Drink (HIFAD) Awards celebrate the very best of the region’s vibrant food and drink sector. Showcasing excellence, innovation, sustainability and outstanding hospitality, the awards recognise the businesses and individuals who continue to put the Highlands and Islands on the map as a world-class food and drink destination.
Best Restaurant / Eating Experience
- Hebrides Cruises
- Hou Hou Mei
- Puldagon Farm Shop & Restaurant
- Station Road Restaurant at The Lovat Loch Ness
- The Boatshed Restaurant
- The Three Chimneys
Rising Star / Emerging Business Award
- Cocoa Bothy
- Crofter’s Kitchen
- Cruciferous Croft
- Househill Café
- Monster Fish & Chips
- Orkney Street Food
Best Use of Highlands & Islands Provenance
- Crofter’s Kitchen
- Cruciferous Croft
- Hebrides Cruises
- iasg harris cafe/restaurant
- Shetland Chef
- The Real Food Cafe Tyndrum
Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Business of the Year
- Crofter’s Kitchen
- Fishermans Kitchen
- Hou Hou Mei
- Isle of Skye Sea Salt Co.
- Wine Guy on Skye Ltd
Community & Social Impact Award
- Drum Hotel Ltd
- Highland Coast Hotels
- Seaboard Centre
- The Three Chimneys
Tourism & Hospitality Experience of the Year
- Hebrides Cruises
- The Scottish Cooking Experience
- The Victorian Market
Young Highland Ambassador Award
- Shannon Foubister, Founder, Brough Bakes
- Ellie Robertson, Food & Beverage Host, The Macallan
Food Producer of the Year
- Isle of Skye Sea Salt Co.
- Miele’s Gelateria
- Shetland Biltong – Sound Butchers
- Stag Bakeries Ltd
Drink Producer of the Year
- Kompassion Kombucha
- Lussa Gin Distillery
- Roehill Springs Distillery
Best New Product or Innovation
- Beremeal Sourdough Crackers
- Cocoa Bothy – “Bothy Bar Sets”
- Hebrides Cruises
- Scottish Heritage Gift Box
- Shetland Biltong – Sound Butchers
- Waitrose No.1 Stuffed & Rolled Scottish Salmon with Cod, King Prawns & Salsa Verde
AwarAwards Announced on the Night
Sustainability Award
Judges’ Choice Award
Highland Ambassador Award
Sustainability Award
Judges’ Choice Award
Highland Ambassador Award
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, produce and places that make the Highlands and Islands so special. The HIFAD Awards bring together industry leaders, rising stars and passionate producers for a night of recognition, networking and celebration. Tickets will also be available to purchase on the night, subject to availability, so come along and be part of the celebration.
We are proud to announce that Highland Community Interest Company are the new hosts of the Awards in 2026 and beyond. We are excited to be putting local food and drink at the heart of the Highland brand and strategy, and to be utilising HighlandFoodandDrink.org as a platform to expand on and celebrate the strength of local food and drink in the Highlands & Islands.
From left: Willie Cameron (Cobbs Group), Gillian Osborne (Wester Ross Fisheries), Fraser Campbell (Cobbs Group) and Yvonne Crook (Good Highland Food)
STEERING GROUP
The Steering Group brings together a wealth of experience and leadership from across the Highlands and Islands food and drink sector. All members are either former Highlands and Islands Food & Drink Ambassadors or previous Awards winners, reflecting their significant contribution to, and recognition within, the industry.
We are continuing to work with the dynamic team at Luxe Events to deliver and support the Awards judging process.
We are proud to announce the next HIFAD Awards will be held at the Kingsmills Hotel on Thursday 7th May 2026.
Why Sponsor HIFADA 2026?
The Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards showcase and celebrate excellence and achievement in the food and drink industry in the region – from world-renowned brands to small innovative producers. As a HIFADA sponsor, you will receive:
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Brand exposure in print, online and at the live event (Highland CIC have over 17,000 social media followers)
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Networking and profile with key players in Scotland’s food and drink sector
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Align your brand with excellence, innovation and sustainability
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Support and gain recognition within the local business community
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Support the wider vision and mission of the Highlands and Islands in becoming a global leader in sustainable development
Sponsorship Packages
Category Sponsor
£2,950 (ex VAT)
To include a table of 10 £3,450+VAT.
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Sponsorship of one award category
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Branding on event website, printed programme and social media
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Logo featured during your category presentation
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Two complimentary tickets to the ceremony
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Opportunity to present your award on stage
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Half-page advert in the event programme
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Inclusion in event photography and post-event PR
Award Categories
Best Restaurant/ Eating Experience
Sponsored by Williamson FOODSERVICE
Primary Producer of the Year (Farming, Crofting, Aquaculture)
Sponsored by Salmon Scotland
Best Use of Highlands & Islands Provenance - Good Highland Food
Sponsored by Good Highland Food
Young Highland Ambassador Award -
Sponsored by Cobbs/BaxterStorey
Sustainability
Award
sponsored by highland renewables
Highland Ambassador Award
SPONSORED BY HIGHLAND CIC
Food Producer of the year
sponsored by Be personnel ltd
Export & International Success Award
Sponsored by scotland food and drink
Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Business of the Year
sponsored by SCOTLAND FOOD & DRINK
Best New Product or Innovation
sponsored by chivas brothers
Drink Producer of the Year
sponsored by scotland food & drink
Climate Leadership Award
SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
Rising Star/Emerging Business Award
sponsored by highland news and media
Community & Social Impact Award
sponsored by the MACALLAN
Tourism & Hospitality Experience of the Year
SPONSORED BY HIGHLAND TOURISM
To find out more about sponsoring a category at the 20th Highlands & Islands Food and Drink Awards, contact Yvonne Crook on 0771 8584245 or Erin at info@highlandtourism.org
Our sincere thanks to the sponsors who help bring this event to life.
And to our charity partner for the 20th edition of the HIFAD Awards
Cheryl Heggie Dance School are performing on the evening. Meallan Band, a youth Scottish folk band are playing throughout the evening. Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker is our MC alongside Mr Loch Ness i.e Willie Cameron.
Highland CIC is proud to host the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards. Highland CIC is supported by a wide range of tourism and renewables business collaborating on a bold ambition for the Highlands to become a world leader in sustainable development.
