Entries for the 2026 Hive Awards are open, but the clock is ticking, with just 1 day left to get your entries in – the closing date is 13 March! There are nine awards up for grabs, with three new categories this year – Best New Food Product, Best New Beverage, and Best NPD. Click here for more information and to enter.
The Categories
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 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. Contact national sales manager, Sharon Amos, for the full rundown of options.
