The Great British Food Awards are known for celebrating regional traditions, ingredients, and the diversity of the UK’s food and drink scene. This year, Merlin Griffiths has been appointed as a judge for the prestigious awards, which recognize exceptional talent and innovation within the industry.
Entries for the Great British Food Awards will close on May 22, 2026, with winners announced on October 30, 2026. The competition features over 60 categories, showcasing food and drink businesses from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Griffiths joins a panel of esteemed judges, including culinary figures like Raymond Blanc OBE, Adam Handling, Jack Stein, and James Martin. The awards are recognized as significant accolades in the UK, with previous winners including Firefly BBQ and Marshfield Farm Ice Cream.
James Martin, who recently featured Griffiths on his Saturday Morning cooking show, made a passionate appeal for consumers to support British produce. “I’m not going to upset the people of New Zealand… but please, please as a nation can we just buy stuff from this country,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of local sourcing.
Martin further praised the quality of British produce, saying, “It’s one of the true, true delights and one of the most amazing produce we have in this country and when it’s in season like this, just buy it.” His sentiments echo the awards’ mission to highlight the craftsmanship and innovation within the UK’s food sector.
According to Jenny O’Neill, a spokesperson for the awards, “Each year, the Great British Food Awards celebrate the remarkable talent, craftsmanship and innovation found across the UK’s food and drink sector.” This year’s competition promises to uphold that tradition.
Winners will be honored at a special ceremony in November 2026, where regional winners and the Grand Champion will be celebrated. Gaining a Gold, Silver, Bronze or Grand Champion badge is a symbol of exceptional quality and deliciousness.
As the deadline for entries approaches, the excitement surrounding the Great British Food Awards continues to build. Observers anticipate a strong turnout from food and drink businesses eager to showcase their offerings.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific judging criteria, but the involvement of Griffiths and other renowned chefs is expected to elevate the competition’s profile.