World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini 2026 shortlist revealed

Apr 2 - Written By Angela Nicholson

Person examining a cocktail with a magnifying glass among colorful lab glassware and bright red cherries — Image Credit: Chloe Hardwick
Frankenstein’s Cocktail

The shortlist for the World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini has now been announced, bringing together a wide range of work that reflects how food shapes lives across the world. With thousands of entries submitted from over 50 countries, the awards continue to highlight the storytelling power of food photography.

As one of this year’s judges, it has been a privilege to be part of the process. The standard of entries was consistently high, with photographers offering thoughtful, creative and often deeply personal perspectives. From scenes of growing and harvesting to moments of cooking, sharing and eating, the images reveal how food connects people, communities and cultures.

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Pug lying on a table near a window, staring at a cinnamon roll and a muffin in the foreground — Image Credit: Sylvie Pabion Martín
Paws and Pastries
On the Mediterranean shore, a pug lounges inside a sun-drenched camper, gazing at a flaky cinnamon roll and a golden muffin. This shot celebrates the simple, sweet joys of life by the sea and the irresistible temptation of a perfect pastry.

Among the shortlisted photographs is Paws and Pastries by Sylvie Pabion Martín, shortlisted in the Food Influencer category, bringing a sense of fun and character. Meanwhile, Summer Chocolate Oyster Mushrooms Fans by Kate Ireland, in the M&S Food Rising Star category, shows a strong eye for detail and presentation.

Close-up of layered oyster mushrooms showing delicate, wavy gills in soft beige tones — Image Credit: Kate Ireland
Summer Chocolate Oyster Mushrooms Fans
*Close up detail of homegrown Summer Chocolate Oyster Mushrooms, showing the delicate fan like structure of the gills of the edible fungi.*

The judging panel, chaired by renowned food photographer David Loftus, brings together a range of voices from across the food and photography industries. This includes Claire Reichenbach of the James Beard Foundation, Tom Athron of Fortnum & Mason, Rein Skullerud from the World Food Programme, Jamie Oliver and Olia Hercules. Being part of such a knowledgeable and experienced group made for thoughtful discussion and careful consideration of each image.

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Children seated at low tables with bowls of rice, hands pressed together in prayer before a meal — Image Credit: Sue O’Connell
Saying Grace
These are the newest recruits to a nunnery near Yangon, Myanmar. They are likely to be orphans or refugees from fighting in the country, but here they have found a place of refuge, security and companionship.

The winners of the 27 categories will be announced on Tuesday, 2nd June at the Champagne Taittinger Awards Evening in London, hosted by chef and food writer Gennaro Contaldo. The overall winner will receive a prize of £5,000.

A free exhibition of all 2026 finalist images will be held at Mall Galleries in London from 3 to 7 June, offering visitors the chance to see the work up close. A further selection of images will be displayed at Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly from 9 June.

You can see the full shortlist of images on the official awards website.

Woman in traditional clothing preparing food in a rustic kitchen with yellow walls and blue shelves of dishes — Image Credit: Judith Balari
The Quiet Act of Cooking
This young woman, engaged in domestic work in a traditional Danish setting, evokes a simpler way of life. The lighting plays a crucial role in this image, with sunlight streaming in from the windows creating highlights and deep shadows that enhance texture and dimension of the objects and surfaces. A glimpse into a rustic kitchen, where tradition meets the present time.

World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini 2026 shortlist revealed

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