FDF celebrates talent and innovation across the industry by announcing 2026 Industry Awards shortlist

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has announced the finalists of its 2026 Industry Awards, which champion excellence across food and drink manufacturing.

From inspiring apprentices to creative new products, forward-looking sustainability initiatives and exporting success, the finalists showcase the immense talent and ambition that exists across the food and drink manufacturing industry. As a sector of over half a million people, contributing £42bn to the UK economy, the shortlist celebrates the very best talent, innovation, and work, as selected by a panel of expert judges.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 17 September 2026 at a brand-new venue for the FDF Industry Awards – The Troxy. Less than ten minutes from the City, The Troxy is one of London’s most iconic cultural venues – a Grade II listed building which has hosted icons from Vera Lynn to Robbie Williams over its long history as a music and entertainment venue.

The highly-anticipated event will be hosted by cookbook author and star of Channel 4’s Junior Bake Off and Netflix’s 5 Star Kitchen, Ravneet Gill. Sponsored by KPMG, the ceremony will bring together stakeholders from across the industry for an evening of food, celebration and networking.

Tickets are now on sale at a special early-bird discounted rate, offering a saving of over £500 per table.

Nick Pink, Chief Operating Officer, The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), said:

“The FDF Industry Awards celebrate all the fantastic businesses and individuals that are shaping the future of food and drink manufacturing, from developing healthier products and driving towards net zero to developing the talent of tomorrow.

“The ceremony will give us a chance to come together, reconnect with peers and celebrate the very best of our sector. From hundreds of submissions, making the shortlist is no mean feat. I want to wish a huge congratulations to all of our finalists and I look forward to hearing who the winners are in September.”

Linda Ellett, Head of Consumer, Retail and Leisure for KPMG UK, said:

“As a supporter of the FDF Awards, KPMG is proud to celebrate the vital, innovative and sustainable work of the UK’s food and drink sector.”

Notes to editors

View the full shortlist here.

About FDF

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) gives a voice to the food and drink manufacturing industry – the UK’s largest manufacturing sector. We contribute over £42bn to the country's economy, supporting half a million jobs and driving growth at home and abroad. For more information on the FDF and the industry we represent, visit www.fdf.org.uk.  

For further enquires please contact the FDF Press Office or contact 020 7420 7140.