The World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® are back and have renewed their call for entries for their 15th edition. Amateur and professional photographers alike have until 8 February 2026 to submit their applications in one of the 27 categories celebrating the richness and diversity of food photography.
Portraits, scenes from everyday life, landscapes or still-life compositions: once again, the World Food Photography Awards aim to shine a light on all forms of contemporary food photography. Among the 27 categories, two new ones are being introduced. “M&S Food Rising Star” will offer the winner the opportunity to create an advertising campaign for M&S Food, while “UK for UNHCR Food as Home” is aimed at candidates who have experienced displacement due to conflict or persecution, and explores how food can evoke a sense of home.
The finalist images will be reviewed by an international jury chaired by food photographer David Loftus. He will be joined by Claire Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation; Tom Athron, CEO of Fortnum & Mason; Rein Skullerud, Chief Photographer and Photo Editor at the World Food Programme; and Jamie Oliver, chef, restaurateur and food campaigner.
Prizes of up to £5,000 (around €5,700), mentoring sessions and magazine features are up for grabs. Finalists will also be invited to the awards ceremony and will see their images exhibited at the Mall Galleries in London next June. A selection of works will also be presented inside the Fortnum & Mason store.
It is an opportunity to join the World Food Photography Awards community and perhaps win a prize, like former finalist Jasmina Kazemier. “Taking part in this competition is a great way to challenge yourself, gain visibility and connect with an inspiring creative community,” notes the entrant in the “Tiptree Cake Award” category. “Even if you don’t win, you clarify your style, push yourself creatively and get noticed. It’s always worth it.”
Louise Rayner, for her part, hesitated for a long time before entering. “I submitted my entry on the very last day, scared that I wouldn’t get very far, and yet I ended up as a finalist. […] You never know what might happen!”
Online applications open until 8 February 2026.
