03/06/2016
By John Ross Jr

Scotland’s largest producer of traditional Scottish smoked salmon, John Ross Jr (Aberdeen) Ltd, is celebrating after winning the Fish and Seafood Award at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2016 for its premium Balmoral Fillet product.

John Ross Jr beat two shortlisted producers including Loch Fyne Oysters and Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group to claim the coveted top prize during the ceremony, which aims to highlight business excellence, innovation and best practice across the Scottish food and drink industry.

The judging panel decided that John Ross Jr’s Balmoral Fillet, regarded by many as ‘the jewel of the smoked salmon crown’, is “a fantastic tasting product that’s rich in colour and that has a well-balanced smoke with salt and sweet notes coming through.”

The award was presented to Christopher Leigh, John Ross Jr’s Managing Director, by Simon Rimmerand, presenter of C4’s Sunday Brunch, at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 2 June. Over 800 guests attended, many of which were vying for the accolade of Scotland Food & Drink Excellence award winner.

 

On receiving the award Christopher comments: “The Balmoral Fillet is a product that we hold dear to our hearts and one that we’re exceptionally proud of. Slow smoked over oak and beech wood chippings for up to 28 hours, the Balmoral Fillet is the crown of the fish and the most tender and succulent part. We’re delighted to have been recognised by Scotland of Food and Drink at this year’s awards and we now plan to continue raising awareness of the product, which smoked salmon lovers throughout the world are guaranteed to appreciate.”

John Ross Jr’s latest award win follows a series of honours received over the last 12 months including winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2016, which the company received for it successful export programme.

Scotland Food & Drink Chief Executive, James Withers, added: “Congratulations to all winners and finalists who have been selected from a record number of entries by our panel of more than 35 judges. They recognise the people, products and practices which make Scotland a Land of Food and Drink and represent the wealth of our industry from artisan producers to established brands.”

The Balmoral Fillet can be found in independent delis throughout the UK and is available on the website priced at £32.95.

For more information visit www.johnrossjr.com or contact 01224 876677.