Entries open for 2026 Northern Ireland Food and Drink Awards
Food and drink businesses across Northern Ireland are invited to enter the annual awards which recognise excellence, innovation and growth across the sector.
Opportunity to showcase your business excellence
Food and drink businesses across Northern Ireland are invited to enter the 2026 Northern Ireland Food and Drink Awards, which recognise excellence, innovation and growth across the sector.
Organised by the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) and held in partnership with Kinecx Energy, the awards give local manufacturers the opportunity to:
- showcase new and innovative products to major retailers
- highlight excellence in manufacturing, sustainability and food safety
- gain recognition for emerging talent and leadership within the industry
Entries are free of charge and open to food and drink businesses of all sizes. You do not need to be a NIFDA member to enter.
Award categories
The 2026 Northern Ireland Food and Drink Awards include 13 categories, covering:
- best new product (micro, small, medium, large, and service sector)
- food safety innovation
- advanced food and drink manufacturing
- sustainable energy leadership
- sustainable supply chains
- healthier product innovation
- best product launch outside Northern Ireland
- rising star (recognising future industry leaders)
How to apply
Review the 2026 categories and criteria, and read the detailed guidelines before submitting your entries online.
The deadline for entry submission has been extended until Wednesday 14 January 2026.
Awards dinner
The awards night will take place on Friday 27 February 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast (Shaw’s Bridge), from 6:30pm to 11:30pm. The event includes a formal dinner showcasing Northern Ireland food and drink. You can book tickets directly with NIFDA by emailing karen@nifda.co.uk.
First published 1 December 2025