14th October 2024
A new entry category has been added into the mix for this year’s Taste North Challenge.
As part of the annual Taste North festival held in Wick on 3rd November, the regional culinary competition celebrates the use of ingredients produced in Caithness and Sutherland. This year, the challenge has four entry categories: 15 and under, 16-24, Open and new for this year, a Commercial Operator category which is open to anyone who makes and sells food or baking products. A £50 Taste North voucher prize and trophy will be awarded to each category winner.
Tony Singh MBE will be a special guest and will be judging the entries, alongside his cookery demonstrations throughout the day.
Tony commented: “The Taste North Challenge is a fantastic competition, and I can’t wait to try some amazing baking creations, made with your favourite local ingredients from Caithness and Sutherland. Get your aprons on and submit your entry forms by 28th October. I’ll see you at Wick High School on 3rd November with your entries!”
The online entry form must be completed by Monday 28th October and baked entries submitted at Taste North by 11am to be included in the judging process.
The Taste North Challenge is sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce North Highlands and Mackays Hotel in Wick.
Trudy Morris, Chief Executive Officer, Caithness Chamber of Commerce and DYW North Highland Lead said “It’s hard to believe that Taste North is entering its ninth year. The growth and success of this event are a testament to the dedication of the organisers, businesses, and supporters who have made it a flagship occasion in the local calendar. Taste North offers a fantastic opportunity for communities and visitors to come together and celebrate the richness and abundance of food and drink in the North Highlands.
We are thrilled to be once again sponsoring the Taste North Challenge. At DYW North Highland, we are passionate about providing opportunities and platforms for our young people to thrive. Initiatives like this build confidence and encourage young people to explore new skills which will benefit them immensely as they prepare to enter the world of work.
We are also excited about the introduction of the new Commercial Operator category for 2024. The competition promises to be fierce, with the exceptional talent of our local bakeries and food businesses in our region!”
The winners of the 2023 Taste North Challenge were:
• Fifteen and under – Robyn Speirs (Firework Night Cake, using home-grown carrots and local eggs)
• Sixteen to 24 – Iona Simpson (Hamish the Highland Coo cake, using Caithness Chocolate)
• Open – Emma Gordon (Scottish Lamingtons, using Old Pulteney and home-grown raspberries)
For more information on the Taste North Challenge and to submit an entry form before the 28th October, visit www.venture-north.co.uk/taste-north.