Brands have just one week left to enter The Grocer’s New Product Awards 2026, with the deadline of 1 June fast approaching for the industry’s biggest celebration of branded fmcg innovation.
Recognising the standout launches shaping supermarket shelves, the awards span the full breadth of grocery – from babyfood, personal care and vitamins to yoghurts, savoury pastries, potted desserts, alcohol and more.
This year’s competition puts the spotlight squarely on product innovation, with packaging awards removed to focus exclusively on launches. A total of 45 categories are open, including new additions for world food, table sauces, and squashes & cordials.
In household and personal care, the awards have been expanded and refined, with separate categories now recognising cosmetics, hair products & hairstyling, household, infant care, personal care, pet care, and vitamins & supplements.
How judging works
Food and drink entries will be evaluated by a panel of industry experts, who will score products on taste, smell, texture, innovation and overall quality.
Household and personal care entries will undergo a two‑stage consumer research process. First, 30 consumers will assess each product for packaging and functionality, on‑pack information, appearance and value for money. Top‑scoring products will then be explored in moderated focus groups to uncover functional, sensory and emotional reactions. All entrants receive the raw data from this phase.
The awards are open to branded grocery products launched or relaunched in the UK between 15 May 2025 and 16 October 2026.
Eligible entries include:
- Brand‑new products
- Reformulations
- Repositioned or significantly repackaged products
- New variants, additions or extensions to existing ranges
Industry recognition
As with last year, every shortlisted product will receive a gold, silver or bronze medal, with winners announced at a lunchtime ceremony on 16 October at The Hilton, Park Lane, hosted by editor‑in‑chief Adam Leyland alongside a celebrity guest.
Winners will receive a logo for use in marketing and promotional activity, along with coverage in The Grocer in print and online.
Last year’s gold medal winners ranged from household names to challenger brands, including Fever-Tree Non-Alcoholic Mediterranean G&T, Jason’s Sourdough Creations – Fruit Loaf, Leon Chicken Thigh Burgers and Redefine Meat Flank Steak.
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