IT promises to be the food lovers' event of the year and will celebrate the best of Scotland's larder.
The Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2014 were launched yesterday with a giant chocolate sculpture created by Iain Burnett, the Highland Chocolatier.
Recognising excellence across the food and drink industry in Scotland, the awards will be the biggest yet and will take place in their largest ever venue, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
Known as the Scottish food and drink industry's 'Oscars', The Herald and HeraldScotland are media partners of the event.
More than 500 guests will attend the ceremony on May 22 and attendees will be treated to a drinks reception and dinner.
Organised by Scotland Food & Drink in partnership with The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), the awards recognise excellence across 21 different categories, including ten tasting awards; Scottish Food & Drink Entrepreneur and new categories, Scottish Sourcing and Brand Success of the Year.
Iain Burnett, who won the Product of the Year award last year, said: "There are so many exciting things going on in the Scottish food and drink world.
"The award bought us real recognition and the kind of publicity you just can't buy."
Chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink, James Withers, said: "2014 brings with it the opportunity for Scotland to shout about the phenomenal food and drink our country produces on an international stage and with this being a landmark year for Scotland, the awards are bigger than ever before.
"I would encourage companies of all sizes to enter this year's awards."
Food and drink businesses from across Scotland have six weeks to enter online at www.scotlandfoodanddrink.org/events/excellence-awards
Entries for the awards close on February 28.
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