Fortnum & Mason has unveiled the 15 winners of its 2026 Makers Open Call, shining a spotlight on some of the most innovative emerging food and drink brands from across the UK and Ireland.

The annual initiative, designed to discover and support growing artisan producers, attracted more than 450 submissions across six categories: Grocery, Confectionery, Tea & Coffee, Biscuits, Bakery and Wellness. Products from the successful brands are set to arrive on the shelves of Fortnum & Mason's Piccadilly flagship store this month, while the makers will also take part in tastings and storytelling sessions in the retailer's Food & Drink Studio.

According to Fortnum & Mason, the judging panel focused on taste, craftsmanship and innovation, while also recognising products designed to support a more balanced way of living.

Liz Morgan, Director of Buying for Food, Wine & Spirits at Fortnum & Mason, said: "The makers we've selected bring with them not only remarkable craftsmanship and flavour, but a fresh perspective on how we eat and live today."

Among the winners are bakery and snack brands responding to growing demand for nutritious, high-quality ingredients. West Sussex-based RAG Nordic Bakery was selected for its Scandinavian-inspired rye breads and seeded crackers made with wholegrain flours, kefir and treacle, while The Tuck Company impressed judges with its range of nut-free, gluten-free and dairy-free children's snacks.

The newly introduced Wellness category reflects the continued growth of functional food and drink. Winners include INDI Supplements, which develops plant-powered snacks and supplements targeting gut health, focus and energy; Norfolk-based SUCSEED, which creates seed and botanical blends designed for everyday nutrition; and Everystate, whose blends combine coffee, cacao and matcha with functional botanicals.

Ancient ingredients and traditional food cultures are also represented among this year's cohort. TEFFIE was recognised for its small-batch snacks made using Ethiopian teff, while County Clare-based Óir Tonics secured a place for its sea moss-based functional blends rooted in Irish traditions.

Innovation within drinks is another strong theme. Soba Circus was selected for its alcohol-free sparkling botanical drink made with green tea, coffee extract and botanicals, while CRATE Brewery was recognised for its lower-alcohol cocktail-style serves made with real fruit. Greek producer Krocus & Co. also joins the line-up with a range of saffron-led botanical infusions.

Sauces, condiments and pantry staples feature strongly among the winners. Island Girl, created by chef Shivi Ramoutar, was recognised for its small-batch Caribbean hot sauces, while Slow Sauce secured a place for its soy-free miso and shoyu-style seasonings made using Scottish oats and heritage pulses. Kursat's was also selected for its range of globally inspired pastes and sauces.

Elsewhere, Irish Black Butter impressed judges with its spiced conserve made using Armagh Bramley apples, while Canny Mushrooms was recognised for its canned mushrooms designed to reduce food waste by preserving produce at peak flavour.

The full list of 2026 Makers Open Call winners is:

• RAG Nordic Bakery

• The Tuck Company

• INDI Supplements

• TEFFIE

• Soba Circus

• Óir Tonics

• CRATE Brewery

• Slow Sauce

• Kursat's

• Irish Black Butter

• Canny Mushrooms

• Island Girl

• SUCSEED

• Everystate

• Krocus & Co.

The programme has become an increasingly important route to market for smaller artisan brands, offering successful producers access to one of the UK's most prestigious retail platforms while introducing consumers to the next generation of food and drink innovation.

For independent retailers and speciality food buyers, the winners provide a snapshot of the trends shaping the market, from functional wellbeing and free-from innovation to sustainability, provenance and globally inspired flavours.