Gordon & MacPhail named title sponsor of Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards

17th April 2013

Gordon & MacPhail, the malt whisky specialist and specialist drinks wholesaler, has been named the official title sponsor of the 2013 Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards.

The family-owned and managed business, established in Elgin in 1895, is one of the UK’s leading independent specialist wholesalers stocking over 4,500 product lines, including an extensive wine list, an impressive portfolio of spirits and a wide range of craft beers and ciders.

Gordon & MacPhail is also the UK’s top wholesaler for malt whisky, stocking every distillery bottling of single malt available in the UK market. Included in this portfolio is the award-winning range of single malts from its very own Benromach Distillery

Stephen Rankin, Director of UK Sales, commented: “The Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards are extremely important because they showcase the quality and diversity this region has to offer.

“As title sponsor, Gordon & MacPhail can help the industry build its reputation,” he added. “The Awards are very much associated with quality and innovation, and enable producers to demonstrate that being located in the Highlands & Islands is by no means a barrier to success.

Entries are already being invited by the organiser, Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Forum which is urging food and drink companies from across the region to seize the opportunity to promote their products and businesses by entering one or more categories.

The Awards, now in their ninth year and sporting a fresh new logo and website, recognise and reward the businesses which are displaying best practice, achieving exceptional standards and pushing boundaries in a key growth industry sector.

Quintin Stevens of Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Forum said: “We are extremely excited to have Gordon & MacPhail on board as our title sponsor this year – the company’s decision to support the Awards adds value to the initiative and helps reinforce the message that we have an extremely buoyant food and drink industry in the Highlands & Islands.”

Categories in 2013 include the New Business Award, Healthier Food & Drink Award, New Product Award, Environment Award, Development of Export Markets and Restaurant of the Year. The Awards also recognise the younger members of the industry who show potential, enthusiasm and promise with the Young Shining Star Award while the Ambassador of the Year is chosen by industry leaders and announced on the night.

Supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the Awards are the region’s most prestigious food and drinks awards, celebrating excellence and achievement in the industry and recognising industry players at the top of their game.

Entries are now open until Wednesday, 5th June. Further information on award categories and how to enter can be found at www.hifoodanddrinkawards.com.

The shortlisted finalists will be announced in mid-September and full details of the Awards Dinner & Ceremony will be announced in due course.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

26/5/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
Argyll firm secures funding for halibut farming commercial development project

Otter Ferry Seafish Ltd is aiming to demonstrate that juvenile halibut can be grown successfully and commercially in sea cages in Scottish waters.   A £97,400 aquaculture research and development project in Argyll, is aiming to demonstrate that juvenile halibut can be grown successfully and commercially in sea cages in Scottish waters.  

13/5/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
Highlands and Islands women seize chance to build skills through HIE Impact Women

Thirty women from across the region are starting out on a new leadership programme launched by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).   The women, who come from a wide range of sectors, age groups and communities, are taking part in the 16-week HIE Impact Women programme.  

28/3/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Projects share £170k to support region's small food and drink producers

Seven innovative projects to support small food and drink producers in parts of the Highlands and Islands have been awarded a total of £169,750 through the Small Producers Pilot Fund.   Seven innovative projects to support small food and drink producers in parts of the Highlands and Islands have been awarded a total of £169,750 through the Small Producers Pilot Fund.  

21/3/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
New guide to support growers with controlled environment agriculture

A new guide has been published (20 March 2026) to help growers who want to explore the potential for controlled environment agriculture (CEA) in rural and island locations.   CEA is the practice of growing crops in a controlled setting where factors like temperature, light, humidity, and nutrients can be carefully managed for optimal plant growth.  

18/3/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

HIE Impact Women Programme For Female Led Businesses

The Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Impact Women programme offers free support to help female-led businesses in Scotland grow.  This is a 16-week programme that includes both in-person and online sessions.  

14/3/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Entrepreneurship and Gender in Scotland: Trends, Regions, and Industries

Entrepreneurship plays a significant role in economic growth, innovation, and job creation.  In Scotland, the landscape of new business creation has changed noticeably in recent years, particularly in relation to gender.  

14/3/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
Highlands and Islands entrepreneurs win big at Regional EDGE awards

Following a successful pilot in 2025, Regional EDGE, the regional arm of Scottish EDGE, returned in 2026 to offer entrepreneurs from across the region the chance to pitch for a share of the £100,00 prize fund.  Funds were allocated through a competitive process, which involved pitching to a panel of judges, and delivered in collaboration with Highlands and Island Enterprise (HIE).  

7/3/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
Reflections on a day well spent - Highland Women Growth Summit

Rachel Hunter reflects on the Highland Women Growth Summit, highlighting the challenges facing women in business, celebrating progress, and marking the launch of HIE Impact Women.   I had an absolutely energising day at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness last Friday where over 100 women business leaders and policy makers gathered at the first ever Highland Women Growth Summit.  

4/3/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Highlands and Islands Enterprise Climate Springboard

This free 6-week programme helps businesses in the Highlands and Islands understand the impact of climate change on their business and take steps to prepare for it.   What does this involve? This free 6-week programme helps businesses in the Highlands and Islands understand the impact of climate change on their business and take steps to prepare for it.  

1/3/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
New programme to strengthen leadership and growth among women-led businesses

HIE Impact Women will support 30 women leaders from businesses and social enterprises that have an annual turnover of at least £25,000.   Women in leadership roles in businesses across the Highlands and Islands are being encouraged to apply for a fully funded development programme aimed at boosting growth, enhancing leadership capability and building strong support networks across the region.