The Highlands & Islands Food and Drink Awards (HIFAD) have revealed the finalists for 2026, celebrating the very best of the region’s thriving food and drink sector. See all the finalists here. 

Recognising excellence across hospitality, production, innovation and community impact, the awards shine a spotlight on the businesses and individuals who continue to shape the Highlands and Islands as a world-class food and drink destination. This year’s finalists represent an exceptional standard of quality, creativity and commitment, with entries received from across the region.

Chair of the judging panel, Steven Devlin, said the calibre of submissions highlights both the strength and diversity of the sector: “It has been a genuinely humbling and inspiring experience to serve as Chair of the judging panel for this year’s Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards.

“Having worked as a restaurateur for over 20 years, I’ve always known the exceptional quality of produce we have here.  It’s what has allowed me, and so many others, to create memorable food and drink experiences. But having the opportunity to read through the award applications from such a wide range of producers and hospitality businesses across the Highlands and Islands has been something else entirely. It’s been incredibly inspiring.

“Alongside my fellow judges, I think it’s fair to say the depth of talent, creativity and commitment we’ve seen, from new start-ups to long-established names, is remarkable. We truly do have something very special here.

“There’s a real opportunity for the Highlands and Islands to stand apart, not just through the quality of what we produce, but through the strength of our businesses, the richness of our offering and the way we bring that to life through truly memorable food and drink experiences.

“I’ve also been hugely encouraged by the role Highland CIC is playing in taking these awards forward, putting food, drink and hospitality experiences right at the heart of the region’s sustainable future. What’s been particularly striking is the level of support from across the Highlands and Islands, businesses, partners and sponsors all coming together behind a shared vision. That collective backing gives real confidence that we can continue to grow, collaborate and build something even stronger for the future of the sector.”

Willie Cameron, HIFADA Steering Group member and awards judge, said: “From the moment we began reviewing applications, it was clear just how much passion, dedication and pride exists right across the Highlands and Islands. But it was the judging day itself that truly brought that to life, the energy in the room, the conversations, and the shared admiration for what businesses are achieving was something quite special. It genuinely blew me away.

“What stood out most was not just the quality of the products, but the people behind them, their stories, their commitment to the Highlands and Islands, and their ambition to keep pushing the sector forward. There is a real sense that something important is happening here.

“I’m very much looking forward to the awards on 7 May, where we’ll come together to celebrate the richness and diversity of our food and drink sector. It’s an opportunity to recognise excellence, but also to shine a light on the collective strength and passion of the industry across the Highlands and Islands.”

Tickets are available now via our website.