2026 entry is open!
Enter your submission by 20th February 2026
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World Food Innovation Awards 2026
Shortlist results: 17 March 2026
Come find the very best in food and drink innovation on 17 March!
Come find the very best in food and drink innovation on 17 March!
About the World Food Innovation Awards 2026
The World Food Innovation Awards 2026 return as the food industry's most prestigious innovation competition. Hosted at IFE London, these food industry awards celebrate excellence across 25+ categories. With over 200 previous winners from 30+ countries, these awards provide global recognition for food industry pioneers.
This prestigious event stands as FoodBev’s longest-running scheme, the ceremony will be hosted at the renowned International Food & Drink Event in London. Get ready to discover the Winners, Finalists and Commended innovations that are reshaping the way we think about food.
Every year, these awards bring together the creative minds and the most innovative products in the food industry. This year is no different, with groundbreaking ideas and revolutionary creations set to take centre stage
Being successfully shortlisted provides a hallmark of success that will prevail long after the awards ceremony and can highlight the contribution your company’s products and team are making to the food industry.
300+ businesses celebrated
How many have entered?
Reach
100,000s
How many will see you?
and more!
20+ years of
ceremonies
How long have these awards been running?
What will you gain?
Global credibility & recognition
Entry Process
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Complete Entry Details
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Payment
-
Complete submission
Key Dates
Submission deadline: 20 February 2026
Shortlist Announcement: 17 March 2026
Ceremony: 30 March 2026, IFE
Cost
£250 +eligible VAT per entry/submission.
40% discount for small businesses.
Message awards@foodbev.com to determine your eligibility.
Quick Summary
Entry Process
-
Complete Entry Details
-
Payment
-
Complete submission
Approximately 30 minutes from start to finish!
Key Dates
Submission deadline: 20 February 2026
Shortlist Announcement: 17 March 2026
Ceremony: 30 March 2026, IFE
Cost
£250 +eligible VAT per entry/submission.
40% discount for small businesses.
Message awards@foodbev.com to determine your eligibility.
Best Products 2026
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Artisan product
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Bakery product
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Children’s/baby product
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Chilled/frozen product
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Confectionery product
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Convenience/ready-meal product
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Dairy product
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Functional product
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Low or no product
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Meat/poultry product
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Natural/organic product
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Plant-based product
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Seafood product
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Snack product
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NEW Sports/nutrition product
Best Innovations 2026
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Drink innovation
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Food innovation
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Health innovation
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Ingredient innovation
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Technology innovation
Best Business 2026
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CSR/sustainability initiative
-
Foodservice initiative
-
Marketing campaign
-
New/start-up business
-
Packaging design
The World Food Innovation Awards 2026 return as the food industry's most prestigious innovation competition. Hosted at IFE London, these food industry awards celebrate excellence across 25 categories. With over 200 previous winners from 30+ countries, these awards provide global recognition for food industry pioneers.
This prestigious event stands as FoodBev’s longest-running scheme, the ceremony will be hosted at the renowned International Food & Drink Event in London. Get ready to discover the Winners, Finalists and Commended innovations that are reshaping the way we think about food.
Every year, these awards bring together the creative minds and the most innovative products in the food industry. This year is no different, with groundbreaking ideas and revolutionary creations set to take centre stage
Being successfully shortlisted provides a hallmark of success that will prevail long after the awards ceremony and can highlight the contribution your company’s products and team are making to the food industry.
2026 Categories
Best Product 2026
-
Artisan product
-
Bakery product
-
Children’s/baby product
-
Chilled/frozen product
-
Confectionery product
-
Convenience/ready-meal product
-
Dairy product
-
Functional product
-
Low or no product
-
Meat/poultry product
-
Natural/organic product
-
Plant-based product
-
Seafood product
-
Snack product
-
NEW Sports/nutrition product
Best Innovations 2026
-
Drink innovation
-
Food innovation
-
Health innovation
-
Ingredient innovation
-
Technology innovation
Best Business 2026
-
CSR/sustainability initiative
-
Foodservice initiative
-
Marketing campaign
-
New/start-up business
-
Packaging design
Important Information 2026
20
february
Submissions Close
Last chance to enter submissions.
17
march
Shortlist Published
Entries are closed and the private judging starts. We estimate the shortlist will be published March 17.
30
MARCH
Winners Ceremony
Entrants receive results and are posted publicly via our news channels. The in person winners' ceremony will be hosted at IFE in London at 4pm GMT.
01
START
Complete the Enter Now form. Here you submit basic contact information. On completion, you will receive a detailed email with links to come back to the following steps.
Eligibility
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All products entered must have been launched/created/rebranded within the last 14 months.
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Products that are not yet in the market can still be entered as long as they are in their prototype/packaging stage by the closing date of this scheme.
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Products can be entered into multiple categories.
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Please read the category descriptions if you are unsure if your product fits into your chosen category.
02
PAYMENT
Once completed you will be redirected to our payment portal. If you are unable to pay via card, you can complete our 'Enter by invoice' form. (please note this can take up to 1-2 days).
Each standard entry costs £250 (+VAT). One entry is valid for one submission. One product can be entered into multiple categories.
1 product entered into 3 categories = 3 entries
3 products entered into 1 category = 3 entries
2 products entered into 2 categories = 4 entries
We offer special discounts and offers for multiple product entries as well as product flavours and editions, each charged as separate entries.
There is also a reduced rate of 40% (+VAT) for small businesses. Please contact awards@foodbev.com for more information.
03
SUBMISSION
After payment, you will be redirected to our online entry submission form. At this step, you can select categories and submit your entries.
All entries are judged on the information you provide, no product samples are required for this award scheme. To ensure consistency and validity we ask that you provide:
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a 400-word maximum description of your product/entry
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a company logo
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maximum of 3 high-resolution images
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(Optional) Supporting Documents. This can be in the form of a video link or a link to studies and supporting documents, please provide links to documents in your 400-word description.
TIP Please communicate clearly how your product is genuinely innovative, introduces new concepts, offers added value, and has a market impact.04
RESULTS & Ceremony
After all entries have been submitted our judges will start submitting their results. Once completed we will announce a public shortlist before announcing the final results at the winners ceremony.
Awards ceremony - Hosted at IFE, March 30th, 4pm, Trends & Innovations Platform.
During the winner's ceremony, we will announce the final placement of each entry for each category: Winner, Finalist, Commended
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As a winner...
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Winner’s category trophy
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Winner’s logo and media pack to assist in showcasing your win on your social media, website, email, packaging, and print materials.
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FoodBev Awards promotional winner bunting for use at events, office or store.
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Photographed at the ceremony showcasing your win, and have images shared via our social media channels and website.
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Your success will also be promoted as a dedicated top story on FoodBev.com reaching 1000's of monthly visitors.
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A chance to be interviewed at winner's ceremony showcasing your win, video shared via our social media channels and website.
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Your winning entry published in our winner's article feature in our FoodBev magazine distributed to readers globally.
Finalist or commended...
As a second-place finalist or third-place commended entry you receive the following:
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Your entry showcased in our winners's ceremony presentation, in front of industry-leading experts and influencers.
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Your success will also be promoted as a dedicated top story on FoodBev.com reaching 1000's of monthly visitors.
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Finalist/ commended logo and media pack to assist in showcasing your status on your social media, website, email, packaging, and print materials.
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An announcement of your business on social media to FoodBev’s 70,000+ followers.
Winning Innovations magazine
Read our 2025 Winning Innovation magazine, a complete collection of all the winners from our 2024 award schemes.
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2024 Shortlist Announced!
FoodBev is thrilled to unveil the shortlist for the 2024 World Food Innovation Awards! From groundbreaking new flavours to revolutionary initiatives, these awards celebrate the latest innovations from companies shaping the future of the global food industry.
With more than 80 companies that have secured their place across 23 categories, each entry encapsulates the astounding ingenuity and vision that defines the global food industry.
Key details for entry into the World Food Innovation Awards 2026
Prestigious winner's trophy
Logo and media pack, with free & indefinite use, everywhere!
Reach 100,000's of FoodBev's audience
Published in globally distirbuted industry magazines
Photography and interviews to promote your success
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Showcased in our ceremony to IFE's leading experts and influencers
300 + Winning Businesses
20 + years of ceremonies
30 + countries enter every year
Join the innovation elite today!
Key details for entry into the World Food Innovation Awards 2026
Prestigious winner's trophy
Logo and media pack, with free & indefinite use, everywhere!
Reach 100,000's of FoodBev's audience
Published in globally distributed industry magazines
Photography and interview opportunities
Showcased in the ceremony to IFE's leading experts and influencers
300 + Winning Businesses
20 + years of ceremonies
30 + countries enter every year
Lasting hallmark of success
Recent winners and testimonials
New/Start-up Business
2024
Take your time with the applicaiton and let your passion and drive shine through. There are many incredible, innovative food brands out there, but there's only one you - your story and vision make all the difference. Winning meant the world to me, and it's something I'm increidbly proud of. At the time, I was still teaching and only found out at the end of the school day when I finally checked my emails! It truly marked the beginning of an incredible journey.
Caragh Keane
Superkeen
Founder
Children's/Baby Product
2023
It is a huge honour to be recognised by such a prestigious award. This recognition inspired the Little Dish team and reinforced the sense that their hard work is delivering something meaningful. This recognition also further reinforces the brand's position as the market leader with the UK Grocers, as well as solidifies trust with their consumers.
Hilary Graves
Little Dish
Founder
Snack Product
2024
It's absolutely huge to get this kind of recognition. We were excited to be finalists and never expected to actually win. So much so that Nat, my wife, went into labour eight hours after we won! A presitgious award like this really gets retailers and customers to pay attention to your product.
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Daniel Twiss
Soul Fruit
Founder
Snack Product
2023
Winning first prixe boosted our visibility and greatly facilitated our entry into European markets. It also reaffirmed our belief that we are on the right track with what we are doing.
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Jan Bakija
BiteMe Nutrition
Business Development
Entry Open
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Start by completing the enter now form.
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After purchase, you will receive an invoice email & redirected to enter your entry submission (failure to provide these may lead to disqualification).
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Please reach out to us for any questions or concerns
£250/per entry
The World Food Innovation Awards celebrated at IFE, International Food & Drink Event, are a shining example of innovation and excellence across every category of the global food industry.
The entry deadline is the 20th of February 2026.
Video Interviews
2025 Results
-2.png)
2026 Judges
Entry Open
-
Start by completing the enter now form.
-
After purchase, you will receive an invoice email & redirected to enter your entry submission (failure to provide these may lead to disqualification).
-
Please reach out to us for any questions or concerns
£250/per entry
The World Food Innovation Awards celebrated at IFE, International Food & Drink Event, are a shining example of innovation and excellence across every category of the global food industry. The entry deadline is the 20th of February 2025.
Important Information
Entry Process
-
Complete the Enter Now form
-
Once completed, you will be redirected to our payment portal (if you wish to pay via invoice)
-
After payment is complete you will have access to our online entry submission form
Once you have completed the first entry details form, you will receive an email with information for the next steps, allowing you to pick up where you left off without resubmitting step 1. This email also includes the link to complete your entry submission.
Each standard entry costs £250 (+VAT). There is also a reduced rate of 40% (+VAT) for small businesses. Please contact awards@foodbev.com for more information.
Entry Requirements & Judging
All entries are judged on the information you provide, to ensure consistency and validity we ask that you provide: a 400-word maximum description of your product/entry, a company logo, maximum of 3 high-resolution images.
Although not compulsory, in your entry description, you can add additional information you feel will support your entry for any claims made within your 400-word pitch. This can be in the form of a video link or a link to studies and supporting documents.
Please communicate clearly how your product is genuinely innovative, introduces new concepts, offers added value, and has a market impact.
Awards Ceremony
The ceremony will take place at IFE International Food & Drink Event, ExCeL London, on 20 March 2023.
We will be notifying you whether or not you have been shortlisted as a finalist by 3rd March 2023. Due to the nature of the independent judging process, we are not able to offer feedback as to why you have or have not been successfully shortlisted.
Eligibility
All products entered must have been launched/created/rebranded from within the last 14 months. Products that are not yet in the market can still be entered as long as they are in their prototype/packaging stage by the closing date of this scheme. Products can be entered into multiple categories.
As a winner...
-
Winner’s category trophy & certificate
-
Winner’s logo and media pack to assist in showcasing your win on your social media, website, email, packaging, and print materials.
-
Photographed at IFE showcasing your win, and have images shared via our social media channels and website.
-
Your success will also be promoted as a dedicated top story on FoodBev.com reaching our 150,000 unique monthly visitors.
-
A chance to be interviewed at IFE showcasing your win, video shared via our social media channels and website.
-
Your winning entry published in our winner's article feature in our FoodBev magazine distributed to readers globally.
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A chance to participate in our post-show webinar as a winner of the awards, and network with industry professionals.
As a finalist...
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Your entry showcased in our presentation as a finalist during the IFE ceremony, presented in front of industry-leading experts, and influencers.
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A digital certificate as a finalist.
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Finalist’s logo and media pack to assist in showcasing your finalist status on your social media, website, email, packaging, and print materials.
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An announcement of your business on social media to FoodBev’s 70,000+ followers.
+ By entering the awards...
By entering the World Food Innovation Awards you receive:
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FREE 1-year digital subscription package to our industry-leading magazines, FoodBev and The Plant Base worth £98.
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Sign-up to our industry-leading weekly FoodBev Media newsletters + our dedicated plant base monthly newsletter.
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FREE entry to our post-show digital networking f&b webinar.
Award Outcomes
FAQs
Do I need to attend the event?
There is no requirement to attend the winner's ceremony. We partner with trade show events to showcase the shortlisted entries in person around the world. If you still want to watch the ceremony, we stream live on our website and social media.
Do I need to submit product samples?
Not for our Innovation Awards, entries are judged on the information you submit in your entry description, images and supporting documents. Our Plant-based Taste Awards have a separate set of rules, please get in touch if you require additional information.
How do I know if I win?
Once entry is closed, judging will begin! We will announce a shortlist a few weeks after the entry period has closed, you will be informed via email of our outcome. It is really important to check the email you use to complete step 1 as this email will be informed regarding outcomes.
Can I request an invoice?
Yes, invoices are sent automatically when your entry payment is complete, if you lose or require the invoice resending please get in touch.
What forms of payments are accepted?
We accept all major credit and debit cards through our payment provider. If you wish to enter via proforma invoice please get in touch with the team.
Can I enter the same category more than once?
Yes, there is no limit to the number of times you can enter the awards. Make sure to visit the award scheme landing page and check the 'eligibility' section for more information.
I think I have entered the wrong details on my submission, how do I fix this?
Once you complete the submission form you will receive an email with your details for your records, to change this - please reply to that email with the changes you wish to make or contact awards@foodbev.com
Are the awards accepting entries globally?
Yes, the awards accept entries worldwide! FoodBev Media is an international media publisher with an audience spanning across the globe, being successful ensures you gain global recognition.
How is my entry judged?
Each entry is judged on the information you provide via your entry form submission (step 3) for your records, this form is sent to your email when your form is completed.
My product has multiple flavors/versions
Each flavour/version requires a separate entry and individual payment. But don't worry! We offer discounts and deals on multiple flavour entries, please get in touch to find out more.
Join us @IFE Stand N313
Taking place from 30 March – 01 April 2026 at ExCeL London, IFE is the UK’s largest and most successful product sourcing platform for the food and drink industry.
Part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, it brings together key buyers from retail, wholesale, import/export, and hospitality, all looking for the latest innovations.
With 15 dedicated product sections, it’s easy for relevant buyers to find you. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your brand and grow your business.
World Food Innovation Awards winners' ceremony will take place at IFE 2026, March 30th at 4pm, Trends & Innovations Platform.
