East Lothian’s thriving food and drink sector has once again earned national recognition, with four local businesses celebrated at the prestigious ScotHot Innovation Awards in Glasgow.
Brose Oats, Chocolate Tree, Belhaven Smokehouse and Buck & Birch were all winners at this year’s event, which recognises excellence in Scotland's food, drink, hospitality, and tourism industries.
Douglas Alexander MP congratulated the winners, saying: “This success underlines East Lothian’s status as a leader in Scotland’s food and drink industry. I’ll always support our local producers in enhancing the county’s outstanding reputation.”
Based in East Linton, Brose Oats produces a range of oat milks; Chocolate Tree crafts award-winning organic chocolate; Belhaven Smokehouse, near West Barns, is known for its premium smoked fish; and Buck & Birch, in Macmerry, creates innovative foraged liqueurs – earning Gold at ScotHot.
Buck & Birch co-founder Rupert Waites noted: “East Lothian brands are gaining recognition not only across the UK, but internationally. We’re excited about our export prospects.”
Fiona Richmond, head of regional food at Scotland Food & Drink, praised the county’s growing profile: “East Lothian has become a premier destination for food tourism, offering high-quality, heritage-driven produce from land and sea.”
Local entrepreneur George Mackintosh, of Papple Steading near Garvald, will feature all four award-winning businesses at his luxury retreat. He also credited Queen Margaret University in Musselburgh for supporting innovation in the sector.
