Celebrating outstanding use of data and insight to drive measurable category growth in retail. This award recognises commercially grounded, insight‑led category management that translates shopper, consumer and market understanding into clear, executable actions.

What judges are looking for

Evidence that data and insight were turned into practical category recommendations and successfully implemented. Judges will look for impact on sales value, penetration, distribution or overall category value. Demonstrated through activities such as planograms, ranging, pack formats, pricing or promotions. Focus is on commercial effectiveness and execution, not technology adoption.

Recognising best‑in‑class use of data and insight to unlock category growth within Out of Home environments. This award celebrates insight‑led commercially grounded recommendations that improve range relevance, menu structure and commercial performance.

What judges are looking for:

Clear examples of how consumer, operator and market insight shaped menu decisions, range architecture, pricing or promotional strategy, with strong evidence of commercial impact such as increased sales, overal category value, margin, distribution or frequency. Judges will reward applied insight and results through commercial effectiveness and execution, not technology adoption.

Celebrating exceptional collaboration between retail customers and suppliers that delivers shared value. This award recognises partnerships built on trust, insight sharing and joint problem‑solving to drive better outcomes for both businesses.

What judges are looking for

Evidence of true collaboration, including shared objectives, joint use of data and insight, and effective communication. Judges will look for mutual commercial benefit, supported by case studies, performance metrics and testimonials demonstrating improved category or business performance.

Recognising impactful collaboration between operators and suppliers that delivers meaningful commercial results in foodservice and hospitality environments.

What judges are looking for

Evidence of true collaboration, including shared objectives, joint use of data and insight, and effective communication. Judges will look for mutual commercial benefit, supported by case studies, performance metrics and testimonials demonstrating improved category or business performance.

Recognising excellence in the use of new technologies and applications such as; advanced analytics, AI or emerging digital tools to deliver insight in innovative and impactful ways.

What judges are looking for

How technology was introduced and applied in practice to influence business decision‑making. Judges will look for unique and creative approaches to problem solving and expect evidence such as case studies, examples of high‑impact insights, stakeholder feedback and measurable business outcomes, not experimentation alone.

Celebrating an established category or insight professional who has demonstrated strong leadership, strategic thinking and lasting impact on category performance within the food and beverage sector.

What judges are looking for

Clear evidence of insight‑led strategy, cross‑functional collaboration, and leadership through complexity. Judges will look for examples of sustained category growth, strategic vision, and the ability to unlock long‑term value through data‑driven decision‑making.

Recognising emerging talent who has made an exceptional impact early in their career and shows strong potential for future leadership within the food and beverage sector.

What judges are looking for

Evidence of initiative, problem‑solving, commitment to learning and professional development and adapatability. Entries should focus on examples of how the have made a standout contribution in a short period of time with evidence, case studies or testimonials on their commercial impact. Judges will look for curiosity, adaptability and early leadership behaviours.

Celebrating insight‑led category strategies that deliver a positive impact for consumers. This award recognises applied insights to responsible initiatives such as health and wellbeing, sustainability, navigating regulatory challenges and better‑informed choices. Entries may reference developments such as Obesity reduction, HFSS regulations, vaping and tobacco legislation, Extended Producer but not limited to these industry topics. 

What judges are looking for

How data and insight were used to interpret consumer behaviour, health, regulation or sustainability trends and translate them into clear category action. Judges will look for practical impact across ranging, space, pricing, Shopper marking, merchandising or strategic responses to industry developments with clear commercial and consumer outcomes.