AYT Foods, the first African-Caribbean grocery store based in Fife, Scotland, has emerged as the Consumer Products Start-up of the Year (Scotland) at the 2025 UK Regional StartUp Awards. The prestigious recognition positions AYT Foods as one of the standout businesses from across the ten UK nations and regions celebrated at the annual awards, and secures its place in the upcoming UK National StartUp Awards Final, where the best new businesses from around the country will compete for national titles.

Founded by entrepreneur and cultural advocate, Temitope Margaret Ajayi-Salami. AYT Foods Ltd has become a beacon of cultural identity, resilience, and entrepreneurial excellence in Scotland.

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What began as a small idea rooted in necessity to provide access to African and Caribbean foods for those living far from home has transformed into a thriving retail and community hub that celebrates diversity and heritage while meeting a growing demand for authentic, high-quality ethnic products.

“This recognition means more than words can fully express,” said Ajayi-Salami, Founder and CEO of AYT Foods Ltd. “It is a reflection of a dream that was born out of necessity, built with grit, and sustained by the love and loyalty of our community. When we opened our doors, we simply wanted to make life easier for people like us who missed home and the food that connects us to it. To now be recognized on this level is incredibly humbling.”

Established in the heart of Fife, AYT Foods was created to fill a critical gap in the market bringing African and Caribbean groceries to residents who often travelled long distances to find products tied to their heritage. Today, the store is not only a commercial success but also a cultural space where people gather to shop, share stories, and reconnect with their roots.

The shelves at AYT Foods are lined with carefully selected goods sourced from both local and international suppliers from vibrant spices and tropical fruits to pantry staples and rare delicacies that speak to the rich culinary traditions of multiple nations. But beyond its product offerings, the store has distinguished itself through a deep commitment to community building. It regularly supports food banks, cultural initiatives, and grassroots efforts that empower underserved groups and promote inclusivity.

Ajayi-Salami believes that the store’s impact goes beyond commerce. “AYT Foods is more than just a business, it’s a movement. It’s a testament to the strength of community, the importance of representation, and the power of staying connected to our roots. This award is not just for us; it’s for everyone who walked through our doors, believed in our mission, and helped us grow. We are just getting started. Here’s to more growth, more impact, and more reasons to celebrate.”

The UK StartUp Awards, launched by the teams behind The Great British Entrepreneur Awards and the Fast Growth 50 Index, is one of the country’s most respected recognitions for early-stage businesses. With over 35 categories covering industries ranging from tech and creative to social impact and consumer products, the awards are designed to shine a spotlight on entrepreneurial excellence during the critical early years of business growth.

By winning its category in the Scotland regional heat, AYT Foods has now qualified to compete in the UK National StartUp Awards Final, where it will go head-to-head with other regional winners from across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and other parts of Scotland. The national final offers a unique opportunity for exposure, networking, and further recognition, as finalists compete to be named among the UK’s most promising new ventures.

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As AYT Foods prepares for the next stage of the awards, the company remains focused on its mission to serve, uplift, and connect. “This journey has only just begun,” said Ajayi-Salami. “We look forward to expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and continuing to share the warmth, flavour, and culture that define who we are.”

For the customers, supporters, and community members who have been a part of the AYT Foods story from the start, this award is more than a win, it’s a shared triumph and a sign of what’s still to come.