Judging

This category award will recognise both innovation and quality, therefore all entries will be judged on the concept of their product as well the quality.

A specially selected panel including product developers, retail buyers and allergy advocates, all with an understanding of international markets will judge this category. 

A two-step judging process will be applied: 

1. An entry submission and supporting imagery will be assessed and scored in advance of a physical judging session.
2. There will then be a physical judging session where the judges will meet and taste each entry, assessing and scoring for taste, free from credentials & RRP.

In addition, each entry will be assessed for its suitability and relevance for the UK market. This will form part of the feedback pack that will be issued to all entrants.   

Entry Criteria

The entry criteria is the same as all other categories, except for the following:

• Entries must not be available in the UK
• All entries must have been available in their respective market for a minimum of 6 months as of 1st March 2024

Benefits of entering 

Entering any award is an investment in time and money. The Free From Food Awards recognise this and are committed to ensuring every entrant fully leverages the benefits of entering. 

• Unique – as an established awards, and the only UK awards that is dedicated to free from food and drink, the Free From Food Awards are a fantastic and unique way for you to enhance the promotion of your brand to a UK audience  
• Value – every entry gets its time in the spotlight with a carefully curated panel chosen from our roster of judges with expertise across the food and drink sector. So you can trust your entry will be assessed and critiqued by the best placed professionals in the industry.
• Feedback – receive valuable insights on your entry, its suitability for the UK market and wider market insights.
• Standout – the Free From Food Awards logo is recognised, within the industry and amongst consumers, as a trusted certification that helps identify safe, quality products. Being shortlisted or awarded a medal provides a hallmark of success that will prevail, highlighting the contribution your product is making to free from consumers in markets outside of the UK.
• Communication – entrants are supported across the awards’ social media platforms which have a following in excess of 17k. 
• Community – join other like-minded and energetic free from professionals. 
• Confidence – entering displays a belief in your product which instills confidence in your product and your brand.

Cost to enter

• Micro – turning over £0-£300,000 = £150+VAT per entry
• Small – turning over £301,000- £3,000,000 = £220+VAT per entry
• Large – turning over <£3,000,001 = £350+VAT per entry

This fee covers the cost of entry, medal logos (supplied in a digital format), use of the applicable logo and a bespoke feedback pack.

Please contact Cressida@freefromfoodawards.co.uk for more information, and to enter. 

Please note that entrants will also be liable for any import duty. 

Timeline 

Entry opens – January 2024 

Entry Closes – April 2024 

Judging – Early May 2024 

Shortlist Announced – May 2024

Winners Announced at the Awards Presentation – TBC June 2024 

Entry Process

• Complete the entry form which is available on application and return along with the supporting imagery
• We will issue you with an invoice for payment within 30 days
• You will be sent an ‘Entrant’ logo
• You will send samples for the judging session to a UK address (approx 4-6 products will be required) 
• When the Shortlist is announced the ‘Finalist’ logo will be shared
• The winner will be announced at our Awards’ Presentation evening after which Medal Winning logos will be shared
• Following the announcements all entrants will receive feedback on their entry

Winners of the International Recognition category 2023!

We were delighted with the response to our inaugural International Recognition category, with entries from all around the world!

Gold Awards:

Unismack, The Mediterranean Snack Collection / Ancient Grain Snack Crackers – Sea Salt & Black Pepper

Matatie, Chocolate Brownie (Le Brownie)

Silver Awards:

Hi Barlee, Black Sesame Flavored Highland Barley Drink 

Hi Barlee, Walnut Flavored Highland Barley Drink 

Mellifera AD, MelliGEL CacaoMint 

Nanuki Boom Bar Metamorphic Brownie

Younique Foods The Barbarian, Double Choc Maca 

Bronze Awards:

Dr. Reich’s Organic FODMAP Bar Tigernut Tonka 

Hi Barlee, Barley Grass Flavored Highland Barley Drink 

Hi Barlee, Hazelnut Flavored Highland Barley Drink 

Issei Mochi Gummies (Mango) 

Pastificio Stroppa Gnocchi Gluten free ambient with spinach 

Unismack, The Mediterranean Snack Collection / Lentil Snack Crackers – Sweet Chilli 

Younique Foods Candy Town, Coconut

Younique Foods Leya’s Cultured Life, Plain – served chilled 

Commended:

Heaply, ​​Dark Chocolate Banana Mallows

Hi Barlee, Chocolate Flavored Highland Barley Drink 

Younique Foods Leya’s Cookies, Peanut Butter 

Younique Foods Leya’s Protein Cookies, Peanut Butter 

• Product Visual: how does the product look both straight from pack and when served? How does this align to expectation?
• Taste: does the product taste great & how does the taste experience align to expectation?
• Flavour: does the product deliver on the flavours it promises?
• Texture: how is the mouthfeel of the product?
• Aroma: how does the product smell, is it inviting and representative of the appropriate flavours?
• Free From Credentials: are the free from claims clear? Has the product eliminated unnecessary allergens where possible?
• Ingredients List: ingredients will be considered (in some this will be more relevant than others) e.g. how clean is it? Does it deliver on its claims e.g. health benefits, nutritional profile?
• Inclusivity: to what extent does the product aid inclusivity? Does it address a genuine occasion need?
• Price Point/Value for Money: does the product represent good value for money? Expensive is OK assuming this is justified.