Highland wild venison supplier Ardgay Game in the run up for BBC Food and Farming Awards
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A HIGHLAND food producer is among the businesses shortlisted for a prestigious industry award.
Ardgay Game are celebrating becoming finalists in the BBC Food and Farming Awards, in the category for Best Food Producer
The family owned business, established in 1982, supplies Scottish wild venison across the UK and Europe, sourced from a collection of 130 Highland estates.
Ruaridh Waugh, Managing Director of Ardgay Game said: “Nothing beats the unique flavour of wild venison and it is a proud moment for us to be recognised by the BBC Food and Farming Awards for the skills and expertise that go in to producing our meat. We want to use this accolade to raise awareness of the nutritional benefits of eating wild venison and start normalising it as a staple meat option to consumers in the UK.
“At a time when people are increasingly interested in the origin of their food and whether it is ethically sourced, the wild deer population of Scotland provides a wholly sustainable food source with impeccable provenance.”
With venison featuring in two out of six categories in the awards, (East Lancashire Hospital Trust & Forestry England were nominated the Food Innovation category for introducing local venison to their meals for patients and staff), Ardgay Game believes more awareness is needed to make this meat more accessible to UK households.
Celebrity chef and restaurateur Tony Singh MBE, is a great supporter of game as food said: "All the health benefits are there, so game should be flying off the shelves,” he continues. “People need to know they can use it like any other meat. I’d love to see the government get behind game as a sustainable, healthy and delicious food, too.”
He published a selection of game-based recipes he created which is available online.
Richard Playfair from the Scottish Venison Association said: “It’s great to see Ardgay Game as a finalist for best producer at the BBC Food & Farming Awards. Showcasing Scottish Wild Venison which only 56% of adults in the UK have tried.
“As probably the most sustainable and leanest red meat available in UK supermarkets we believe venison is part of the journey to a more sustainable future. If consumers are trying to change their habits to help support climate change eating wild venison is a guilt free way to do so.”
