Tips for a successful awards entry
Watch our top tips for a successful submission video
- Your submission should tell a clear story. You don't need to employ a professional bid writer or marketer to do the job but make sure the author has a good knowledge of the project or individual
- Don't be put off by other entrants. Small businesses can be deterred from competing against the big companies, however small compaanies have a really great track record of success.
Top tips - Essential advice to help you submit a standout awards entry
Fully complete the form
- The judges only have the contents of the submission on which to base their decision.
- Even if your project has already won awards; decisions are made on the submission alone.
- Provide evidence to support your claims
- Measurable outcomes give judges useful information to assess your entry.
- If it is too soon to evaluate, show how you have arrived at your projection.
- Stick to word counts where indicated, do not exceed the maximum number of words.
- Make sure you click the submit button when compliting the form online. You should receive a confirmation email with a list of uploaded files; check that you have submitted everything.
Make your supporting evidence count
Supporting evidence can add to an entry:
- Too much of the same thing e.g. lots of photos of the same event can detract.
- Avoid very large files (e.g catalogues or press cuttings that are over 5 pages).
- Make sure you list the titles of your supporting documents at the end of the form, and that the files you upload match these titles.
Frequently asked questions
Email events@fdf.org.uk if you can't find the answer to your question below.
Benefits of entering the Awards
- Showcase your brand and achievements across the industry.
- Dedicated press release which is circulated to leading contacts for both the shortlist and the winners.
- Opportunity to attend the ceremony to network with industry peers and key stakeholders.
- A case study of each winning entry is published on the FDF website following the ceremony.
- Finalists and winners will be announced on the FDF website and via social media channels.
What do entrants receive if they win an FDF Award?
- An official FDF awards finalist and winner logo to use on their website, social channels and marketing materials.
- Professional photographs of the evening featuring the ceremony and winners, with the host.
- Winners will receive their personalised FDF trophy at the ceremony in September.
Who can enter?
Companies or individuals employed by companies including:
- Food and drink manufacturers (incl. alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, baby food but excluding pet food)
- Retailers, producers, growers, hospitality, non-for profits
- Sectors working with the food and drink supply chain including researchers, distributors, health, and local authorities
How to enter?
- Visit our website and find a category to enter
- Make sure you read our Terms and Conditions and Tips for a successful entry
- Download the entry form and submit your application for free through our online platform before the deadline.
- You can upload up to 5 supporting documents in addition to your entry form, make sure to list the titles of the files at the end of the entry form
- After uploading your entry, you should receive an email with a summary of your submission and the next steps for the FDF Awards
- You can enter several categories, and nominate multiple projects/colleagues within the same category too as long as they are distinct
- Wait for the shortlist to be announced
- If you are shortlisted, book your place to the FDF Awards ceremony where we will announce winners. Make sure you share your success with your network!
Email events@fdf.org.uk if you have any questions.
Can you enter via email?
No, only entries through our online platform will be counted and reviewed by the judges. Please note that you cannot enter by email, or by sending us hard copies through the post.
Judging and evaluation
Our panel of judges, carefully selected to avoid any conflicts of interest, brings extensive expertise from within the food and drink sector. These include a diverse range of industry leaders including CEO’s, directors, policy makers, educators, scientists, engineers, nutritionists and our previous winners.
Each entry is carefully assessed on the category criteria detailed in the entry form, including any additional supporting evidence submitted.
Judges are contacted privately to maintain confidentiality. Feedback is collated through detailed survey analysis to compile the shortlist, ensuring that the judging process remains fair and robust.
When will I hear back?
The shortlist is announced over the Summer, following judging and evaluation. We will send out a press release, post on social media, and feature it in the FDF Events newsletter and other FDF communications.
If you are shortlisted, you will receive an official FDF Awards 'finalist' toolkit that you can use on your socials and collateral. The next step is to book your tickets to the Awards ceremony to find out if you are winner! We do not offer free tickets for the event, but if you are a start-up with annual turnover of less than £5 million, we may be able to offer discounted tickets.
If you are not shortlisted, don't worry! We have often seen companies entering our Awards year on year and being shortlisted/winning only after a few attempts. Since your entry will have been reviewed by our judging panel of experts, you will be able to request feedback to help you improve your entry and make your case for the following year's Awards. This has proven successful for many of our prior nominees.
When is the FDF Awards ceremony?
Our FDF Awards Ceremony will take place on 17 September 2026 at the The Troxy, London. This is when we will be announcing the winners of the Awards. The next day, we will publish the list on our website.
How much does it cost to enter?
Entering the FDF Awards is completely free and done exclusively online.
How much does it cost to attend the FDF Awards ceremony?
Prices for the FDF Awards ceremony will be listed online when ticket sales open.
Please note there are no special discounts for shortlisted companies.
What are your social media details?
Our X handle is @Foodanddrinkfed, and the awards hashtag is #FDFAwards
Instagram - @foodanddrinkfederation
We are active on social media across the year, and particularly during the FDF Awards ceremony. The FDF Awards social media plans will be finalised closer to the date of the ceremony.
Is there a press release?
We distribute two main press releases around the awards; a release announcing shortlisted companies and individuals; and a post-awards release announcing the winners.
There may be additional press releases distributed in relation to specific award categories. You may be contacted by one of our Media and Campaigns team regarding a quote for these releases.
Should you wish to get in touch with our Media and Campaigns team please email: press.office@fdf.org.uk