Speciality & Fine Food Fair launches new awards for 2021

Speciality & Fine Food Fair has announced that its 2021 edition will see the launch of the Speciality & Fine Food Awards, dedicated to celebrating excellence in the fine food and drink industry.  

The awards will be comprised of four categories, each highlighting an area of growth and innovation in the industry.  

The Product of the Year Award celebrates a brand-new product at Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2021, one that has demonstrated creativity and innovation at the heart of its concept. The winning product will have pioneering credentials, high quality construction, a clear USP and come from a brand that is constantly innovating and experimenting to inspire its customers. 

The Independent Retailer of the Year Award is presented to a pioneering retailer at the heart of their community providing exceptional customer service and running new, exciting initiatives to help future-proof the sector. The winner will be a forward-thinking retailer, a real advocate for small businesses, whilst leading by example to push for change and development for the industry on key agendas. 

The Rising Sustainability Star Award is presented to an individual or business that has led an inspiring sustainable initiative or project that’s driven positive change within their business and/or community. The winner will uphold sustainable values across all aspects of their business and will be a true advocate for driving sustainable change within the fine food & drink sector.  

The Outstanding Industry Champion Award will be presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the fine food & drink industry over the last year. This individual will be recognised for their passion, drive, and commitment to the sector. This may include campaigning for the industry and going above and beyond to support SMEs and the fine food & drink sector. 

Once the shortlisted nominees are announced, the results will be opened to both public voting and a panel of industry judges to decide the winner, which will be announced at the Fair on 6-7 September 2021.  

Philippa Christer, Event Manager for Speciality & Fine Food Fair, commented: “Each year the Fair brings together the who’s who of the speciality food and drink industry, and these new awards will celebrate those who are driving change and innovation in this fantastic community.  

“This is a chance for the industry to recognise the colleagues, friends and businesses that have raised the bar, stood out from the crowd and been truly outstanding in their field over the past 12 months.”  

Marcus Carter, Owner of the Artisan Food Club and Ambassador for Sociality & Fine Food Fair, added: “Speciality & Fine Food Fair is the go-to event for food innovation and awards associated with the show carry great weight in the industry. The Fair is a brand that’s recognised and respected by independent retailers.  

“To all producers: retailers are looking for assurance. Demonstrate that you have been recognised and can stand out from the crowd. Any product at the show is a quality product, but being recognised among that competition gives retailers the confidence to make the first purchase.” 

The deadline for entries is 24 June, and more information on entering can be found on the Speciality & Fine Food Fair website. 

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Editors notes

Speciality & Fine Food Fair is an annual trade show celebrating independent, artisan and craft food & drink suppliers from across the UK and internationally. Each year the show attracts quality buyers from key sectors in the speciality and fine food industry, including key decision-makers from the worlds of retail, catering and wholesale. They have the chance to meet with new-to-market businesses in The Discovery Zone, discuss the latest speciality food trends on the Food for Thought Stage and explore an unparalleled collection of unique suppliers across the show floor. New for the 2021 event is a dedicated Sustainability Zone at the show, which will showcase the truly innovative businesses putting environmental concerns front and centre in the creation, packaging and distribution of their products. The show will take place 6-7 September 2021 at Olympia London.