Highland Game, Dundee won the "Success through partnership award" last night at the annual Scotland Food & Drink Awards ceremony held at the National Museum for Scotland
The accolade recognised Highland Game's successful partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland.
The partnership has been ground breaking in sustaining large volume supply of quality assured Venison which has enabled Highland Game to close key business contracts and thereby made venison ready available nationwide.
The high set standards for the partnership has raised the bar for the entire industry and it has allowed Highland Game to raise awareness and create demand for venison in UK. Highland Game has been at the forefront of the venison industry since its inception in 1997 and is today leading the entire market section of venison in this country. Venison, "the 5th protein" is achieving further market shares and the demand is accelerating.
Christian Nissen, Managing Director said: "I am immensely proud to accept this award saluting our work together with Forestry Commission Scotland. From day one, my aim has been to take the venison industry forward. We have streamlined every aspect of our business, from "Hill to Plate", over our 18 years in business and this award is cementing the strength and importance of our partnership with FCS. This award ties in nicely with our current expansion of our processing facilities in Dundee and our plans for a New Product Development area as a Centre for Excellence, dedicated for venison. Together, we stand strong for the next steps."
All entries into the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards were assessed by a panel of judges made up of experienced figures from relevant sectors of the food & drink industry.
To read the original awards release, click here
Judges Feedback from written application
Outline of Supply Chain Partnership
• Very clearly articulated supply chain partnership between Highland Game and the Forestry Commission. Evidence of joint working, decision making and regular communications in this relationship developed to expand the wild venison industry on the basis of provenance, consistency and quality assurance.
Why the Partnership Approach?
• Again clearly articulated rationale for collaborative partnership. HGL able to secure sustainable large quantities of deer by working closely with FCS as well as ensure the quality of the animals. The partnership provided the structure to deploy improvements in logistics, IT , quality standards and training. Successfully moved perception in FCS from by-product to essential food chain supply and high value branded product.
Benefits Achieved
• Growth demonstrated through increase in employees and increased listings via uk retailers - and these could not have been achieved without the supply chain elements being put in place to underpin the volume increases.
Where to next
• Very ambitious plan for growth which wouldn't be possible for HGL if it hadn't been able to secure volume supply through FCS. Commendable aspiration to create a Centre of Excellence for the sector to engage more with NPD, consumers, schools and cookery.
Additional Comments
• Overall, a very strong application. Highland Game could not have got to where it is today, or have a chance of achieving its future growth plans without having developed this relationship with Forestry Commission Scotland.
For further information about Highland Game and the Scotland Food & Drink Awards, please contact: Marketing & PR Coordinator; Ingela Kassander Nissen, ikn@highlandgame.com , 07801078034