The aim of the new award is to encourage the £8 billion Scottish food and drink industry to recognise the importance of environmental management in delivering quality products. The award reflects the thinking behind the Scottish Executive’s new Sustainable Development Strategy.

The Environmental Award is one of sixteen category awards which will be judged by a panel of industry experts with all entries provided with feedback from the judges.

Categories include retail products, food service, international business, brand development, direct marketing and healthy eating.

The Scottish Food and Drink Excellence Awards, now in their sixth year, are organised jointly and co-sponsored by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland and Scottish Food & Drink in association with Scottish Enterprise. Other sponsors include The Grocer, Scottish Development International and the Scottish Executive’s Healthy Living Campaign.

The awards, which recognise innovation, enterprise and quality, are highly prized in the food industry with many companies utilising their success to increase brand awareness and market share.

Last year’s supreme winner was No Catch Organic Cod from Johnson Seafarms in Shetland, which also won two category awards.

Mike Lloyd, the company’s Sales and Marketing Director, said: “Winning three awards among such esteemed competition has not only played a valuable role in building awareness of our cod as a leading seafood brand, but has been a powerful support in securing new business within UK and export markets.”

Maggie McGinlay, Director of Food and Drink at Scottish Enterprise, said: “The awards are now established as one of Scotland’s most important and influential accolades and a valuable indicator of a company’s standing within the industry, not just in Scotland but also within the UK.

“I would encourage any food or drink company who are doing something special to put themselves forward and have the opportunity to have their success acknowledged and rewarded.”

Gareth Baird, RHASS Director with special responsibility for food and drink, added: “While recognising innovation and imagination, the awards also place a focus on the important connections within Scotland’s vibrant food sector, from the primary producer through to the consumer.”

Closing date for entries is February 21. Judging of short listed products takes place in April with a presentation ceremony and dinner at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow on May 10. Entry forms are available from David Cochrane at the RHASS on 0131 335 6207 and the awards are featured on the Scottish Food and Drink website www.scottishfoodanddrink.com and the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland website www.rhass.org.uk