THE search is on for the country’s perfect pizza, champion chefs and inspirational ice-cream makers as the annual Scottish Italian Awards get underway.

Now in its fourth year, the contest attracts thousands of businesses and 2016 will see some important changes including a new ‘best trattoria’ category.

Awards CEO Warren Paul explains: “We’ve listened to the community and our expert judges and have refined both our judging process and the categories that we offer to truthfully showcase the country’s favourite eateries and dishes.

“We are introducing Scotland’s Best Trattoria, to celebrate the more informal meals out that everyone can enjoy, and we are also bringing back firm favourites Best Gelateria and Best Pizzeria.”

Celebrity chef and author Aldo Zilli is back in his capacity as judge for the practical finals for Best Chef, Best Pasta and Best Pizza, where contenders have to ‘cook-off’ against each other before presenting their final dishes to Aldo for tasting.

Other categories in this year’s event include Best Deli/Café, Best Fish and Chip Shop, and the coveted Best Restaurant, won last year by Glasgow’s La Lanterna which also picked up the Best Team award.

Last year’s winners also included Best Newcomer Gusto Glasgow, Pizzeria of the Year La Vita in Bishopbriggs and Best Marketing Team Toni’s Pizzeria.

The lifetime achievement award went to Mary Contini, director of delicatessen Valvona & Crolla.

Daniela Di Marco from Osteria in North Berwick was the first female Best Chef winner and her restaurant also won Best Restaurant (less than 50 seats).

The Scottish Italian Awards, organised by Paramount Creative, have quickly become one of the highest accolades within the Italian hospitality industry.

This year’s event, presented by Allied Irish Bank (GB), will invite more than 2000 businesses to compete in the online voting campaign. Customers vote for their favourites via the dedicated website and the top five supported venues within all categories will then be shortlisted as the nation’s favourites and judged by a panel of independent adjudicators.

More than 65,000 votes were cast last year, and organisers are expecting another bumper year for the event.

Libby Clark, Relationship Manager for lead sponsors Allied Irish Bank (GB), who presented last year’s Best Business award to William Moriconi, said she was delighted to be involved.

“Last year’s event was a great success and we have been delighted to provide funding to a range of Scottish Italian businesses in support of their growth ambitions,” she said.

“We look forward to building on our relationships and continuing to support more businesses within the thriving Scottish Italian community, now and in the years ahead.”

This year’s awards are also supported by the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK.

For more information, visit www.scottishitalianawards.co.uk