The 2026 Food Management Today Food Industry Awards annual initiative has been launched, with product nominations and voting now open online.
The unique annual initiative recognises the outstanding work and excellence of food processors, manufacturers, retailers, foodservice and individuals across the UK food sector.
The food industry is now invited to nominate products in eight categories and also cast their votes across seven additional award voting categories.
The 2026 business and networking luncheon will see a change of venue next year with the awards ceremony held at the 5-star Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Friday 12th June, one of London’s most prestigious and premier event locations.
Manufacturers and retailers, plus foodservice, can nominate products for entry into one or more of the product categories free of charge, with a panel of experienced judges set to evaluate all products that are received to a strict criteria, either as a ready to eat product or products requiring cooking at the test kitchens.
The 2026 FMT Awards categories include:
Products:
- Best Bakery Product
- Best Dairy Product
- Best Free From Product
- Best Frozen Product
- Best New Product Development
- Best Poultry Product
- Best Ready To Eat Product
- Best Red Meat Product
- Best Seafood Product
Voting:
- Best Ingredients Supplier
- Best Machinery / Equipment Supplier
- Best Trade Organisation
- Best Training Initiative
- Food Manufacturer of the Year
- Food Retailer of the Year
- Food Industry Champion
Graham Yandell MBE of Food Management Today commented: “We are delighted to kick off the FMT Food Industry Awards initiative for 2026.
“As we begin the search for our 2026 winners and finalists, we anticipate another substantial uptake from the industry with many major names involved from both retail and manufacturing.
“The nomination process is quick, simple and free, and you can enter as many products as you like across multiple categories. Indications are that the awards and the awards ceremony will be bigger and better than ever – hence our move of location for the 2026 celebrations and presentations.”
The voting page can be accessed here, and the free product nomination form can be found here.
To see a short video of the 2025 Awards ceremony click here.
For details of 2026 partner packages call Michelle Ingerfield on 01908 613323 or email michelle.i@yandellmedia.com.
With thanks to the 2026 FMT Food Industry awards partners:
