Scottish food and drink producers are being offered the chance to put their products on Scotmid shelves as the retailer begins its search for its next Scottish Favourites.
Applications are now open for the 2026 competition, with three Gold Award winners set to receive a listing in Scotmid stores as well as £2,000 to help support their launch.
Scotmid is working with Scotland Food & Drink for the fifth consecutive year to find products capable of becoming favourites with customers across the country.
Businesses from a wide range of food and drink categories can enter, opening the competition to emerging producers looking for their first significant retail opportunity as well as established companies hoping to introduce something new.
This year’s competition will also give Scotmid members a direct say in deciding which products make it onto the shelves.
Twelve suppliers will be shortlisted, with members invited to taste and score their products before the highest scoring entry receives the Member Gold Award.
For smaller Scottish producers, securing space with an established retailer can transform the scale of a business almost immediately.
Previous winner Three Robins secured a listing for its oat milk range, with founder Karen Robinson saying the opportunity allowed the company to “double our distribution overnight, making our products available to families all across Scotland.”
Scotmid Head of Commercial Danny Scobie said:
“Scottish Favourites has become a great way for us to discover exciting products and producers from across Scotland, while giving businesses a real opportunity to get their products in front of more customers.
“We’ve seen the difference a Scotmid listing can make for previous winners.
“We want to hear from producers of all shapes and sizes, whether you’re an emerging business ready to take the next step or an established producer with something new for our customers.
“Scotland has an incredible food and drink sector, and we’re looking forward to discovering the products that could become our customers’ next Scottish favourites.
“As a community retailer, we know how much customers value local choice, and this competition is one way we can help bring more of Scotland’s best products into the heart of our communities.”
The competition has been launched during Scottish Food & Drink September, the annual celebration of the businesses, producers and people behind the industry.
Alex Kidd, UK Market Manager Retail at Scotland Food & Drink, said:
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Scotmid for the fifth consecutive year, providing Scottish food and drink businesses with a valuable platform to access the convenience retail market and raise awareness of their products.
“Scottish Food and Drink September is all about celebrating our vibrant and diverse food and drink industry, so it’s fantastic to have the Scottish Favourites competition launched as part of our month-long campaign.
“From innovative start-ups to well-established brands seeking to expand their retail presence, competitions such as Scottish Favourites play a vital role in supporting growth by helping producers build meaningful retail relationships, increase visibility, and take the next step in their business journey.”
Applications are open to food and drink producers across Scotland until 11.30am on Friday 16 October.
