International Confectionery has begun its nominations for the International Confectionery Awards 2026, celebrating the products, technologies, people and initiatives helping to move the sector forward.
The awards, which are voted on by our readers, will recognise achievement across eight categories, covering product and ingredient innovation, plant-based solutions, production and packaging technology, sustainability and individual contributions to the industry.
Companies, suppliers, manufacturers, associations and individuals from across the international confectionery sector are encouraged to get involved and help highlight the developments and people making a positive contribution to the industry.
The eight categories for 2026 are:
- Product of the Year
- Ingredient of the Year
- Plant-based Solution of the Year
- Machine of the Year
- Packaging Machine of the Year
- Industry Champion
- Sustainability Initiative
- Woman of the Year
Anyone wishing to submit a nomination is invited to contact International Confectionery Senior Editor Joseph Clarke with details of their proposed entry:
Giving readers the final say
A central part of the International Confectionery Awards is that the winners will be decided by International Confectionery’s readers.
Following the nomination and shortlisting process, readers will be invited to vote for the entries they believe deserve recognition across each of the eight categories.
The awards are designed to reflect the breadth of innovation taking place throughout the confectionery supply chain. From new finished confectionery products and ingredient solutions through to processing machinery, packaging equipment and sustainability programmes, the categories recognise the many different areas helping to shape the future of confectionery.
The awards will also celebrate the people behind the industry, with the Industry Champion and Woman of the Year categories recognising individuals making an important contribution to the sector.
Joseph Clarke, Senior Editor of International Confectionery, said: “The industry continues to develop rapidly, with businesses and individuals constantly introducing new products, technologies, ideas and ways of working.
“The International Confectionery Awards give us an opportunity to recognise those achievements while also giving our readers the chance to decide which nominees they believe deserve to take home an award.”
Winners revealed live in November
The winners of the International Confectionery Awards 2026 will be announced during a special online ceremony broadcast via LinkedIn Live on 26 November 2026.
The digital ceremony will bring together members of the international community to celebrate the winners and recognise the achievements of those shortlisted across all eight categories.
With categories spanning innovation, technology, sustainability and leadership, the International Confectionery Awards aim to showcase the products, solutions and people playing an important role in the continued development of the global confectionery industry.
International Confectionery is now calling on its readers, partners and the wider sector to get involved and help us recognise those who are keeping the global bakery industry moving forward.
