Scottish start-up drinks brands are being invited to enter a new national business accelerator programme launched by drinks industry business leaders.
In Drinks Catalyst is now open for entries, welcoming drinks producers with less than three years trading to compete for a year's supply of business advice, networking and introductions.
The programme has been created as part of In Drinks, a new national trade show for the drinks sector which takes place at the SEC in Glasgow on 8 and 9 March.
More than 60 exhibitors have already signed up, with around 4,000 guests expected to visit the show which is co-locating with ScotHot, the long-standing hospitality and catering event.
Finalists in the programme will receive a free stand worth around £500.
Adam Hardie, head of food and drink at Johnston Carmichael, is a founding sponsor of the programme and joins the judging panel.
He commented: "Johnston Carmichael is passionate about the food & drink industry and particularly engaged with early stage drinks producers, providing advice on accountancy and tax matters and business growth.
"We are delighted to be a founding partner of In Drinks Catalyst and with this programme, want to identify and help scale the most exciting drinks brands across the UK and help take them to the next level."
The programme is also supported by law firm Morton Fraser and drink design and delivery firm Contagious.
Andrew Walker, partner in Morton Fraser's corporate team, said: "The drinks sector in this country has a global reputation unmatched for quality, craft and innovation.
"Our support for the inaugural InDrinks Catalyst awards is driven by our belief that there are inspirational entrepreneurs out there ready to be part of the sector's story and to grasp the opportunity to take their business to the next level."
The judging panel also includes Paul Miller, founder of Eden Mill, and Annabel Thomas, founder of the Nc’Nean whisky distillery.
Entrants are required to submit a short written entry and deliver packaging and samples by 25 January.
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