The 9th Annual Black Women in Food Awards 2026

The Black Women in Food Awards honor the leadership and impact of Black women shaping the food, beverage, and hospitality industry. This initiative highlights work that is often overlooked despite its profound influence. The awards aim to close long-standing visibility gaps while affirming the critical role Black women play across the global food system.

🏆 Benefits of the Awards

The awards recognize individuals across various categories, including:

• Game Changer: Uses their influence for positive change (e.g., activist, policymaker, venture capitalist, etc.).
• Creator: Connects people through content or products (e.g., food blogger, food stylist, curator, content creator, consumer packaged goods entrepreneur, etc.).
• Innovator: Uses tools or technology to solve challenges (e.g., inventor, researcher, product developer, intrapreneur, etc.).
• Culinarian: Demonstrates cooking artistry (e.g., chef, home cook, caterer, etc.).
• Hospitality Maven: Excels in guest experience (e.g., front-of-house operations, general managers, food and beverage managers, guest relations experts, etc.).
• Trailblazer: Pioneers through groundbreaking contributions (e.g., pioneer, vanguard, etc.).
• Amplifier: Elevates food system stories (e.g., journalist, author, photographer, podcaster, filmmaker, etc.).
• Beverage Master: Advances the spirits, wine, and beer industry (e.g., sommelier, mixologist, bar owner, brewer, vineyard manager, etc.).
• Corporate Champion: Shapes inclusive food opportunities (e.g., branding and marketing professional, buyer, research and development professional, diversity & inclusion professional, sustainability strategist, etc.).
• Restaurateur: Launches impactful restaurants (e.g., owner-operators of restaurants, bars, cafes, food trucks, cloud kitchens, or mobile food services).

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Open to anyone who self-identifies as a Black woman in any country around the world.
• Applicants must demonstrate significant accomplishments in one of the award categories.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: 31 January 2026
• To apply, visit the official application portal.

🌐 Learn More

For more details about the awards, visit the official website.

This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and honor the contributions of Black women in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Don't miss the chance to apply or nominate someone deserving!

• Game Changer: Uses their influence for positive change (e.g. activist, policymaker, and/or venture capitalist, etc.)
• Creator: Connects people through content or products (e.g. food blogger, food stylist, curator, content creator, consumer packaged goods entrepreneur, etc.)
• Innovator: Uses tools or tech to solve challenges (e.g. inventor, researcher, product developer, intrapreneur, etc.)
• Culinarian: Demonstrates cooking artistry (e.g. chef, home cook, caterer, etc.)
• Hospitality Maven: Architect of professionalism and excellence in guest experience (e.g., front-of-house operations, general managers, food and beverage managers, and guest relations experts)
• Trailblazer: Pioneers through groundbreaking contributions (e.g. pioneer, vanguard, etc.)
• Amplifier: Elevates food system stories (e.g. journalist, author, photographer, podcaster, filmmaker, etc.)
• Beverage Master: Advances spirits, wine, and beer industry (e.g. sommelier, mixologist, bar owner, beer maker/brewer, wine and spirit maker, vineyard manager, etc.)
• Corporate Champion: Shapes inclusive food opportunities (e.g. branding and marketing professional, buyer, research and development professional, diversity & inclusion professional, sustainability strategist, etc.)
• Restaurateur: Launches impactful restaurants (e.g. Owner-operators of restaurants, bars, cafes, food trucks, cloud kitchens or mobile food services)