The World Food Innovation Awards return for 2026, with the Best Bakery Product category accepting entries until 20 February. Run by FoodBev Media, the scheme has recognised over 300 winning businesses since its inception more than 20 years ago. 

Competition structure 

The awards ceremony takes place at the International Food & Drink Event at ExCeL London on 30 March at 4pm. Each category awards three placings: Winner, Finalist, and Commended. The bakery product category sits within the Best Product 2026 section, alongside 14 other product categories including artisan, confectionery and snack products. 

Entries must have been launched, created, or rebranded within the last 14 months. Products not yet in the market qualify if they reach prototype or packaging stage by the entry deadline. Companies can enter the same product across multiple categories, with each entry charged separately. 

Entry requirements 

Judging relies on submitted documentation rather than physical samples. Entrants provide a 400-word description, company logo and up to three high-resolution images. Supporting materials—video links or study documentation—can be included to substantiate claims. 

Entry costs £250 plus VAT per submission. Small businesses receive a 40% discount. Multiple entries attract special pricing, with product variants and flavours each requiring separate submissions. 

The judging panel evaluates entries on innovation, new concepts, added value and market impact. All judging decisions are final, with no appeals process available. 

Timeline and process 

Entry opened on 11 August 2025, with an early bird discount running until 26 September. Judging begins after the 20 February submission deadline, with the shortlist published around 17 March. Results become public at the ceremony, with additional promotion through FoodBev.com. , which records over 1,000 monthly visitors, and the company's 70,000-strong social media following. 

What winners receive 

Winners collect a category trophy at the ceremony and receive promotional materials including winner's logos, media packs and bunting for commercial use. Their success features in a dedicated article on FoodBev.com and in FoodBev magazines, which distributes globally. Video interviews conducted at the ceremony appear on the organisation's social media channels and website. 

Finalists and Commended entries receive digital certificates, promotional logos, and social media announcements. Their entries appear in the ceremony presentation. 

The scheme operates across eight FoodBev Awards programmes covering beverages, bakery, plant-based products, coffee, dairy, soft drinks, water drinks, and catering technology. 

Products entered must comply with applicable laws and award-specific eligibility rules. Entry fees are non-refundable unless FoodBev exercises discretion to issue a refund. Winners, Finalists, and Commended entrants may use the relevant award logo indefinitely, subject to usage guidelines. 

Additional trophies or replacements are available at the winner's cost. Entries submitted without full payment by the deadline will not be judged. FoodBev retains submitted materials indefinitely for awards-related publishing and archives. 

Full terms and conditions are available on the FoodBev Awards website, with step-by-step entry guidance provided for applicants.