The 2025 Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards ceremony, held on 9 September, recognised the very best in fine food and drink. Designed to celebrate excellence across the industry, the awards highlighted outstanding new products, diversity champions and inspirational regional producers. Winners were decided through a combination of public vote and deliberation by a panel of leading industry judges.

Nicola Woods, Event Manager for Speciality & Fine Food Fair, commented: “We were not only overwhelmed by the unprecedented number of entries but also by their exceptional quality. This truly highlights the incredible innovation happening within our industry.”

2025 Award Winners:

• Large Independent Retailer of the Year, sponsored by WBC, in partnership with BIRA: Nourished Communities

• Small Independent Retailer of the Year, sponsored by WBC, in partnership with BIRA: Club Soda

• New Product of the Year – UK: Two Farmers 0.0% Apple Cider, Two Farmers

• New Product of the Year – International: Kimchi Ketchup, Chimac

• ‘Not Year on the Shelf’ Award: Smoked Cornish Mackerel, Hevva!

• Outstanding Regional Star: Joanna Morgan, Founder, Radnor Preserves

• DEI Champion: Mecca Ibrahim, Co-Founder, Women in the Food Industry

• Outstanding Industry Champion: Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, Founder, The Black Farmer

Rory Gillies, Co-Owner of Nourished Communities, commented: "We felt hugely proud to win! It’s easy to forget how far we have come in 5 years with the daily grind that comes as part and parcel of running a business. Awards like this make all the difference! We are so proud of our amazing team and thankful for the community that has believed in us since the beginning. Let’s keep supporting local businesses."

Mex Ibrahim, Co-Founder of Women in the Food Industry, commented: "I’m deeply grateful to receive the DEI Champion Award from Speciality & Fine Food Fair as co-founder of Women In The Food Industry. This recognition will certainly inspire me and our community to continue pushing for greater equity, representation and opportunities for women to excel and lead in the food & drink industry. A huge thank you to the judges for shining a spotlight on the importance of this work and encouraging us all to do more."  

Sofie Rooney, Founder of Chimac, commented: "Winning the Speciality Food Fair New Product of the Year – International category for our Kimchi Ketchup is an incredible honour. It’s not only amazing to be recognised on an international stage, but was also such a powerful calling card when speaking with buyers during the event. Given the prestige of the event and the outstanding quality of the other entrants, this award is a real mark of distinction, we could not be more delighted!"