Organisers of the 2026 FMT Food Industry Awards have unveiled comedian, actor and impressionist Luke Kempner as the host of this year’s awards ceremony, where he will take to the stage with some of his most recognisable impressions.
The FMT Food Industry Awards honours innovation across a range of food industry sectors, including manufacturers, processors, retailers, foodservice, ingredient suppliers and machinery and equipment companies, as well as trade organisations, packaging manufacturers, product innovators and training schemes.
This year’s initiative will culminate in the popular lunchtime ceremony, which will take place on Friday 12th June at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.
Luke Kempner revealed as VIP host
Luke Kempner has TV credits including The Royal Variety Performance, Murder in Successville and The Last Leg, and is fresh from starring in the role of Thénardier in the West End production of Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre and in the world tour of the show.
He has amassed more than 10 million views online through his viral sketch comedy videos, with his contemporary takes on pop culture mimicry including impressions of Louis Theroux, Donald Trump, Sir Ian McKellen, Jeremy Clarkson and Jürgen Klopp, to name a few.
Luke joined the cast of the revived hit TV show, Spitting Image (Britbox), in 2020, and in 2023 he lent his voice to more than 30 characters in Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical before selling out his 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival run with his acclaimed show, Gritty Police Drama: One Man Musical, in which he packed 60 impressions into 60 minutes.
Commenting on the announcement, Graham Yandell, publisher of Food Management Today, said: “We are thrilled to have secured Luke to host the awards on 12th June. His impressions are fantastic, and I know we are set for a brilliant afternoon. Guests will really enjoy a unique occasion where we recognise top companies, organisations, people and products, and are entertained by a superb performer.”
To book tickets and tables click here.
To become a commercial partner, call 01908 613323 or email Michelle Ingerfield: michelle.i@yandellmedia.com.
With thanks to the official 2026 FMT Food Industry partners:
