News

The World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem®, the greatest global celebration of food photography, are open for entries for their 2026 edition.

The competition, now in its 15th year, invites amateur and professional photographers alike to share their captures of food stories from all around the world, whether told through landscape, portrait, travel, wedding, photojournalistic or any other style of photography.

There’s a top prize of £5,000 (GBP) to be won and all finalist images will be exhibited at the prestigious Mall Galleries in London. A hand-picked selection of finalist images will also be displayed at the iconic Fortnum & Mason store in Piccadilly, London.

“Food is the drumbeat of life – too much, too little, harvest, drought, beauty and horror – it binds us all,” says Caroline Kenyon, Founder of the Awards. “Nothing tells these important stories more powerfully than the images photographers send us from around the world.”

With over 25 categories, the Awards recognise that food touches lives in a diversity of ways from growing, harvesting and cooking, to eating, celebrating and surviving.

A new category has been created in partnership with UK for UNHCR, called Food as Home, open to entrants with lived experience of displacement due to conflict or persecution, for images which show the ways in which food can evoke home.

An exciting new award in partnership with M&S Food is also being introduced for this year’s competition, details of which will be announced soon.

This year’s global judging panel – chaired by legendary food photographer, David Loftus – includes Jan Hendrick van der Westhuizen (South African Michelin Starred Chef and Restaurateur), Tom Athron (CEO, Fortnum & Mason), Rein Skullerud (Senior Photographer & Photo Editor, World Food Programme) and Jamie Oliver (Chef, Restaurateur and Food Campaigner).

“Entering this competition is a great way to challenge yourself, gain exposure and connect with an inspiring community of creatives,” says Jasmina Kazemier, previous finalist. “Even if you don’t win, you gain clarity on your photographic style, push yourself creatively, and put your name on the radar. That’s always worth it.”

“This competition ranks among the most prestigious photographic awards globally,” says Louise Rayner, previous finalist. “Entering such a respected competition is a huge leap of faith; it takes courage and confidence to do it, but you just never know what the judges are looking for. I entered on the very last day, afraid that I wouldn't get anywhere, but I made it to the finals with a photo I took quickly on my phone - so you just never know what might happen!”

For more information and to enter the competition, visit www.worldfoodphotographyawards.com
Entries close Sunday 8th February 2026.

Featured Photo: High Tea with a Hare - Marguerite Oelofse - South Africa