The International Food & Drink Event (IFE) is pleased to announce that entries for the World Food Innovation Awards 2026, organised by FoodBev Awards, are now officially open. The awards return to celebrate the people, products and businesses that are shaping the future of food and drink worldwide.

Now in their 21st year, the World Food Innovation Awards are recognised as one of the most credible and respected global accolades in the sector. Each year they shine a spotlight on creativity across categories spanning snacks, seafood, meat and poultry, foodservice initiatives, start-up businesses and beyond.

Past winners include Viciunai UK & Ireland (Best Seafood Product 2025), MHP Food UK (Best Meat/Poultry and Foodservice Initiative 2025), Coccola (Best New/Start-Up Business 2025) and PopCornaa (Best Snack Product 2025).

For 2026, the awards will introduce a brand-new Sports/Nutrition category, reflecting the industry’s growing focus on health, wellbeing and functional nutrition.

Key dates

• Entries open: 11 August 2025

• Submissions close: 20 February 2026

The winners will be revealed live at IFE, taking place at Excel London from 30 March to 1 April 2026. With more than 30,000 verified trade professionals expected to attend, including retailers, wholesalers and foodservice leaders, the event provides a fitting backdrop to honour the trailblazers redefining the food and drink landscape. The ceremony will also be supported by the new Sports/Nutrition section of IFE, designed to give a dedicated platform to innovators in this fast-growing sector.