Food & Drink Wholesale UK (FWD) has opened nominations for the FWD Gold Awards 2026, inviting businesses from across the wholesale supply chain to put forward the people, products and innovations shaping the future of the sector.

Returning to Old Billingsgate, London, on Thursday 26 November, the annual awards celebrate excellence across food and drink wholesale, recognising outstanding wholesalers, suppliers and service providers through 26 award categories.

The awards honour achievements across leadership, customer service, innovation, sustainability, diversity, artificial intelligence, data and insight, alongside product launches and standout foodservice, retail and licensed products.

Among this year's categories are Future Leader of the Year, Wholesale Innovation, Sustainable Wholesaler of the Year, Best Use of AI, Best Use of Data & Insight, Retail Wholesaler of the Year, Foodservice Wholesaler of the Year and Supplier of the Year.

IFE is once again proud to sponsor the Diversity in Wholesale award in the supplier category, recognising businesses that are helping to build a more inclusive and representative wholesale industry.

Isabelle McKeever, Event Manager for IFE, said: "The FWD Gold Awards shine a spotlight on the businesses and individuals driving innovation and positive change across the food and drink wholesale sector. As a long-standing supporter of the awards, we're proud to once again sponsor the Diversity in Wholesale category and encourage businesses from across the industry to put forward the inspiring people, products and initiatives making a real difference."

Many of the businesses recognised at the awards are also part of the IFE community, with exhibitors, visitors and industry partners playing a key role in supplying the UK's retail, wholesale, hospitality and foodservice sectors.

Nominations and table bookings opened on 1 July, with the winners set to be announced during the awards ceremony at Old Billingsgate on Thursday 26 November 2026.

For more information on the FWD Gold Awards 2026, including the full list of categories and how to enter, visit: https://app.bizshowsapp.co.uk/e/fwdgold-26/overview