Devon’s biggest food and drink awards open for 2026 entries

The countdown is on as entries officially open for the 2026 Food Drink Devon Awards, celebrating the very best of the county’s food and drink sector.

From artisan producers and innovative start-ups to much-loved cafés, pubs, restaurants, bars and retailers, it's widely regarded as the gold standard for food and drink excellence in Devon.

The awards showcase the talent, creativity and passion that make the county such a celebrated culinary destination. Entries are open now to both Food Drink Devon members and non-members, closing on Monday 30 March, with the winners revealed at a prestigious ceremony on Monday 5 October.

This year’s categories once again span the full breadth of the industry. Producer Awards include Food Product of the Year, Drink Product of the Year, Best New Food Product and Best New Drink Product, alongside the popular Devon Wine of the Year, recognising wines grown, produced and bottled in the county.

Retail Awards will celebrate Best Retailer, Best Online Retailer and a new category – Best Wholesaler/Distributor – while the Hospitality Awards will recognise favourites including Chef of the Year, Best Fine Dining Restaurant, Best Restaurant, Best Hotel Restaurant, Best Pub (food-led), Best Bar (wet-led), Best Café, Best Takeaway or Street Food, Best Training School and the Sustainability Pioneer Award. New for 2026 is Best Casual Dining.

The People’s Choice Award, voted for by the public, will also return.

Jack Pickering, board director of Food Drink Devon, said the awards continue to play an important role in championing local excellence.

“For more than 14 years, the awards have celebrated the people and businesses that make Devon’s food and drink scene so special. We’re proud to champion those who are making a real impact both locally and beyond,” he said.

“Our 2025 awards received the highest number of entries to date, with a sell-out black-tie ceremony attended by 470 guests, a real demonstration of the strength and success of Devon’s food and drink industry.”

Every entrant has the chance to achieve bronze, silver, gold or platinum status, with judging carried out by independent experts through blind tasting and anonymous venue visits. All entries receive detailed feedback, designed to help businesses develop and grow.

Food Drink Devon represents more than 370 producers, retailers, hospitality venues and related businesses across Devon, promoting quality, sustainability and provenance and helping to raise the county’s food profile nationally and internationally.

Last year’s Platinum Award winners from the Torbay and nearby area included:

- Barbers Bean to Bar, Kingsteignton – Single Origin Peruvian Wholebean Cocoa Tea
- Bays Brewery, Paignton – Pure Gold
- Devon Microgreens, Stoke Gabriel – The Flower Power Mix
- Truly Treats, Kingsteignton – Carrot Traycake