The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has revealed the finalists for its 2026 Industry Awards, showcasing a cross‑section of the UK’s most ambitious manufacturers, innovators and future leaders.

For a sector employing more than half a million people and contributing £42bn to the UK economy, the shortlist offers a snapshot of the companies and individuals shaping the next era of food and drink production.

The 2026 shortlist reflects a sector in motion: apprentices accelerating careers, brands pushing healthier innovation, manufacturers advancing sustainability, and exporters scaling globally. The awards continue to act as a barometer for where UK food and drink manufacturing is heading — and who is driving it.

A celebration of excellence across the value chain

The FDF Awards recognise achievement across categories spanning apprenticeship excellence; product innovation; sustainability leadership; export success; manufacturing innovation and campaigns and brand activations

This year’s shortlist highlights companies driving healthier reformulation, pioneering low‑carbon manufacturing, and building global market presence — a reflection of the sector’s evolving priorities.

Standout companies on the 2026 shortlist

Based on the FDF’s published shortlist, notable finalists include:

• Nestlé UK & Ireland — recognised for innovation and workforce development.
• Premier Foods — shortlisted for product innovation and healthier reformulation.
• Britvic — acknowledged for sustainability progress and packaging innovation.
• ABP Food Group — featured for operational excellence and environmental initiatives.
• Greencore — recognised for supply chain leadership and manufacturing innovation.
• Moy Park — shortlisted for people development and community impact.
• Princes Group — highlighted for sustainability and responsible sourcing.
• Arla Foods — recognised for dairy innovation and carbon reduction.
• Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners — shortlisted for manufacturing excellence and circularity initiatives.
• KP Snacks — acknowledged for healthier snacking innovation and community engagement.

These companies represent a blend of multinational scale and UK‑rooted manufacturing strength — each contributing to the sector’s resilience and future direction.

A new venue and a familiar sense of occasion

The winners will be announced on 17 September 2026 at The Troxy, one of London’s most iconic Grade II listed cultural venues. The ceremony will be hosted by Ravneet Gill, cookbook author and star of Junior Bake Off and 5 Star Kitchen, adding a contemporary culinary voice to the evening.

Sponsored by KPMG, the event will bring together leaders from across the industry for a night of celebration, networking and recognition. Early‑bird tickets are now available, offering over £500 off per table.

Nick Pink, chief operating officer at the FDF, emphasised the significance of the shortlist: “From hundreds of submissions, making the shortlist is no mean feat. The Awards celebrate all the fantastic businesses and individuals shaping the future of food and drink manufacturing.”

Linda Ellett, head of consumer, retail and leisure at KPMG UK, added: “KPMG is proud to celebrate the vital, innovative and sustainable work of the UK’s food and drink sector.”

The shortlist offers insight into the themes defining UK food and drink manufacturing in 2026: healthier product development is accelerating; sustainability commitments are becoming more measurable and commercially integrated; talent development is a strategic priority; export growth remains a key driver of resilience; and manufacturing innovation is increasingly digital, data‑driven and efficiency‑focused.