It's time to get your entries in for the 2026 Hive Awards. There are nine categories spanning the food and beverage manufacturing sector, providing the opportunity to recognise excellence in Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing industry.
The Categories
There are 10 awards and entries close on Friday, 13 March. Click here for more information and to enter.
Best Ingredient
Celebrating breakthrough ingredients transforming taste, texture, nutrition, or sustainability.
Best NPD
Honouring standout new products that turn smart ideas into market success.
Best Beverage
Recognising bold innovation and craftsmanship.
Best Food Product
Spotlighting food innovations winning over consumers.
Best Packaging
Rewarding clever, sustainable, and standout packaging that elevates a product.
Best Tech
Showcasing smart technology driving the future of food and beverage manufacturing.
Local Manufacturer
Celebrating Australian makers leading with innovation, integrity, and impact.
Rising Star / Emerging Leader
Recognising rising talent shaping the next generation of industry leadership.
Gamechanger
Honouring the innovators redefining what’s possible in food and beverage.
The Golden Hive
The Golden Hive recipient is selected by Food & Drink Business from the category winners.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Entries open: Wednesday, 28 January 2026
Entries close: Friday, 13 March 2026
Finalists announced: Monday, 13 April 2026
The Hive Awards: Thursday, 21 May 2026
WHERE TO FIND ALL THE INFORMATION YOU
NEED TO ENTER
Thehiveawards.com.au
The Hive Awards sponsors
Food & Drink Business is thrilled to announce The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has returned as our Headline Sponsor for the third year in a row. Heat and Control is back as the award’s Silver Sponsor, as is Bronze Sponsor Process Partners. And welcome to our new Bronze Sponsors, HMPS and Total Construction. And thanks to APPMA for signing on as our Industry Partner once more.
It’s not too late to show your support for the Awards and become a sponsor. Email national sales manager, Sharon Amos, for the full rundown of options.
