The popular annual initiative celebrates women across the meat industry who are making an outstanding contribution to the industry and their businesses. It is the biggest and most important initiative of its kind, attracting many thousands of votes each year.

Exceptional levels of engagement have already been reported ahead of the Wednesday 26th August deadline, and colleagues and associates are urged to submit their votes to determine the 2026 winners.

A full shortlist can be found here.

When the voting period has concluded, the 2026 finalists will be publicised shortly afterwards on the WIMIA website ahead of the black-tie dinner and awards ceremony on Friday 20th November at the 5-star Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

Unveiling this year’s category winners will be Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell, who is recognised as an icon of British sport as no other woman has held Commonwealth, European, World and Olympic track titles concurrently.

Gwen Mostyn, editor of Meat Management magazine, which organises the awards, commented: “With this year’s voting deadline fast approaching, it’s vital that any interested individuals or businesses cast their votes. If you would like to highlight an individual on the Women In Meat Industry Awards shortlist and be part of a fantastic initiative that celebrates the work of women in the sector, now is the time to do so!

“We are also excited to welcome Sally Gunnell as our VIP host, and I’m certain she will prove an excellent speaker and an even more inspiring woman!”

To cast your vote for free, click here.

For more information including ticket and table availability, visit womeninmeatawards.com.

Thank you to the 2026 Women In Meat Industry Awards partners: