Entries are now open for the third annual IFE Manufacturing Ingredients Awards, in association with the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST). The awards return to Excel London on 30 March 2026, recognising excellence and achievement across the food and drink ingredients industry.
The ceremony will take place on the Trends & Innovation Platform stage at IFE Manufacturing, part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week. Entries close on Friday 9 January 2026.
The awards celebrate organisations and individuals driving progress across the ingredients supply chain, from sustainable sourcing and product development to enabling technologies that enhance nutrition, functionality and performance.
The 2026 categories are:
- Sustainable Ingredient Innovation
- Responsible Sourcing & Ethical Partnerships
- Public Health Impact – Ingredients
- Start-Up Ingredient Launch
- Enabling Technologies for Ingredients
An Innovation of the Year Award will also be selected from all entries.
Each category highlights a specific area of advancement within the food and drink ingredients sector, with judges seeking verifiable impact, sound evidence and measurable results.
The judging panel for 2026 brings together leading figures from across retail, food & drink, ingredients, manufacturing and food science:
- Claire Costello, Head of Technical Packaged Foods, Tesco
- Iain Beck, Senior Director Innovation Programme, Dsm-firmenich
- James Brace, Managing Director, Daymer Ingredients Ltd.
- Sarah Munday, Head of R&D, Innocent Drinks
- Prosper Nyabanga, Technical Manager, Isle of Man Creamery Ltd.
- Henrietta Sameke, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Holland and Barrett
- Jas Scott de Martinville, Global R&D Head of Technical & Regulatory, Scientific Affairs, Nestlé
- Mark Spurdens, Director; Honorary Fellow, Rice Consulting; University of Lincoln
- Richard Werran, Global Director Food & Retail, BSI
Federico Dellafiore, Event Director for IFE Manufacturing, said: “The Ingredients Awards have quickly become a highlight of the IFE Manufacturing calendar. It is a genuine opportunity to recognise the expertise and hard work happening across the supply chain, from start-ups to global businesses. In association with IFST, we aim to showcase the most impactful developments shaping the future of food and drink.”
Richard Werran adds: “It was both a pleasure and privilege to serving as a judge for the IFE Manufacturing Ingredients Awards at Excel London in 2025. The standard of entries was outstanding, providing a remarkable glimpse into the ingenuity and passion that drive our industry forward. I was particularly inspired by the creativity, technical excellence, and commitment to quality demonstrated by every entrant.
“For those considering submitting an entry for 2026, I encourage you to share your story and your achievements that may inspire and set new benchmarks across the sector. This is a unique platform to celebrate innovation and gain well-deserved recognition among your peers. I look forward to seeing more exceptional work as the IFE Manufacturing Ingredients Awards continue to champion the very best in our field.”
Entries for the IFE Manufacturing Ingredients Awards are open now. More information and entry details are available at https://www.ifemanufacturing.co.uk/ife-manufacturing-ingredients-awards-association-ifst-2026.