UK Quality Food & Drink Awards are back for 2026.

This year, we enter a new chapter.


Refreshed, reimagined and future-focused, these awards celebrate the products, brands, retailers and businesses shaping how the UK eats and drinks. From everyday grocery staples to festive favourites , from foodservice innovation to health-led products and world-class drinks , our categories reflect a modern, dynamic marketplace.

Judged solely by leading retail, foodservice and industry experts , every entry is assessed through a rigorous, independent tasting and evaluation process. Quality remains at our core; but innovation, relevance and performance sit closely alongside it.

Whether you are a challenger brand , a small producer , a major retailer or an established supplier , The Quality Food and Drink Awards provide a trusted platform to showcase excellence, gain industry recognition and stand out in a competitive market.

This is where quality meets progress. This is where the UK's best food and drink are recognised.

100+
CATEGORIES
850+
ENTRIES
1
NIGHT OF CELEBRTATION
160
JUDGES

What's New?

A dedicated category sector to Health & Nutrition  - once a niche consideration, now a mainstream purchasing driver. Shoppers are actively looking for products that support everyday wellbeing, and, the industry is responding; innovating at speed. 


A dedicated category sector for early years food and drink. Baby & Toddler awards recognising the best product development for early years development and nutrition. A specialist judging process including focus group judging.


The relaunch of our Alcoholic Drinks categories, returning for 2026 after popular demand, recognising the best wines, spirits, beers and specialty beverages in grocery retail. Rewarding winieries, distillers and brewers for striving in innovation and quality.

2026 Key Dates

Entries Early Bird Ends
Entries Deadline
Judging Begins
Shortlist Release
Christmas Results Announced
Awards Night

Request A Callback

Want to chat with the team about this year's categories? Want to find out how you can stand out from the crowd? Keen to know more about partnerships? Complete the enquiry form here to request a callback from the team.