As the Dec. 5 early bird discount approaches and with 17 categories available to showcase those working across the functional food and supplements industry, now is the time to start planning your application.
“We look forward to judging what is always a very high caliber of applications and rewarding our winners at an awards evening to remember in Barcelona on May 6,” said Nikki Hancocks, editor of NutraIngredients-Europe.
She noted that winning a NutraIngredient award sets companies apart from the competition.
“These awards carry clout in this industry, and that is largely thanks to our superb expert judges who put their valuable expertise and time into this process to ensure our sought-after awards go to the best of the best,” she said.
The entry process is simple and all completed online on the awards website. Entrants simply tick the category they wish to enter before creating a login, making payment (if required) and working their way through the application form.
What to include in your application:
For ingredient and finished product award applications, our judges will look at how the solution meets specific needs and will base their scores on evidence provided to demonstrate: consumer demand, scientific backing, commercial success and X factor.
In demonstrating a genuine consumer demand, applicants should portray a common issue or risk factor, then demonstrate how relevant their ingredient or product is in meeting the demand.
Solid scientific evidence is a non-negotiable in these awards. Applicants must show that their solution is supported by peer-reviewed data to substantiate any performance or health claims made.
It is important to demonstrate the commercial success and engagement from the core target market, ideally including numbers and examples of sales where possible. Evidence of strong retail and consumer interest or listings will all help the application stand out.
For product applications specifically, judges will consider packaging as well, considering ease of use, appeal and novelty.
To show judges what gives their solution the ‘X factor’, applicants should highlight what makes it stand out from the crowd and what gives it an edge on the competition. Evidence and numbers to back any claims here will be helpful.
Specialty awards
The Editors’ Awards for Sustanable Initiative of the Year celebrates novel, impact-driven sustainability initiatives in Europe that are helping reshape the industry through eco-conscious ingredient sourcing, low-impact manufacturing, upcycled materials and responsible packaging.
The Innovation in Women’s Health Award could go to a research project, products or ingredient focused on women’s empowerment or health. For ingredients and products, judges will follow the same criteria as above, i.e., scientific backing, product design, consumer demand and X-factor.
The NutraChampion Award celebrates individuals who have made a transformational impact on the nutrition industry—whether through policy leadership, scientific innovation, public education or ingredient advocacy. This award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond to shape the future of nutrition.
Entries are by nomination only and should clearly demonstrate the individual’s impact, through evidence of a lasting contribution to the nutrition industry; recognition through public visibility or influence beyond the sector; and potential for good, by demonstrating the person’s clear commitment to advancing health, sustainability or equity through nutrition.
The Nutrition Research Project Award rewards an impactful research project—whether academic, commercial or collaborative—that demonstrates scientific excellence, has real-world relevance and pushes the boundaries of nutritional science.
The Start-Up Award, which is free for the first time for 2026, recognizes the most promising young companies—those founded within the past 10 years—that are driving innovation, disrupting the status quo and delivering measurable impact.
Judges are looking for start-ups that: address unmet consumer health needs, demonstrate innovation in product development, technology integration or scientific validation, and show early signs of market traction and scalability. Applications should showcase sound science, commercial potential or success, evidence of commercial interest and what gives the application the ‘X factor’.
The closing date for entries is Jan. 26, and finalists will be announced on March 25.
For assistance or technical support, contact NutraIngredients-Awards@wrbm.com.
