Quality Food & Drink Awards relaunches alcoholic drinks categories
The Quality Food & Drink Awards (QFDA) has relaunched its alcoholic drinks section for 2026, aiming to recognise excellence across the sector.
While looking to recognise established favourites, the awards will also look to acknowledge emerging formats such as orange and skin contact wines, agave spirits and alcohol-free alternatives.
Entries are now open across four main areas – Beer & Cider, Wines; Spirits & Aperitifs; no/lo, RTDs & speciality drinks.
These categories cover a wide range of products, aiming to reflect the continued evolution of the UK drinks market and the rise of low & no and RTD options.
The 2026 drinks judging panel will be chaired by wine writer, journalist and consultant Sarah Jane Evans MW (pictured), a former co-chair of the Decanter World Wine Awards.
Products will be assessed against a multitude of criteria, including taste, aroma, ingredients, provenance, appearance, packaging, value for money and innovation, with a judging process designed to recognise both quality and competitive appeal in the market.
Commenting on the relaunch, Evans explained: “These Awards have a long history – I remember featuring them when I was associate editor at BBC Good Food magazine. So it’s especially good to know that the drinks category is being relaunched this year, and I am delighted to join them as chair to lead the process.
“As a Master of Wine, I judge wines all over the world, ‘blind’ – that’s to say without sight of the label and without being influenced. That’s why I am looking forward to these Awards, as we judge not just the liquid, but the entire packaging proposition: provenance, innovation, shelf appeal, sustainability factors and price point/value.
“This is what sets these Awards apart. It’s a two-stage process. We assess the entries as experts in our different specialisms, but then we consider them as a buyer or a consumer would.”
QFDA is now in its 48th year, with a refreshed identity for 2026. It claims to ‘set the benchmark for excellence across retail and foodservice’.
Entries are now open here, with submissions occurring before 21 August benefitting from a reduced entry fee.
The window for entries will close at midnight on 4 September.
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