Now in it’s third year, The Hive Awards seek to reflect Australia’s complex, ambitious, and resilient food and drink manufacturing sector by shining a light on the people and businesses driving the industry forward.

“By entering the awards, you’re joining a national platform that showcases best-in-class ingenuity, celebrates impact, and highlights the vital role the sector plays in Australia’s economy and future. We look forward to learning about work – and sharing your success with the wider industry.” – Kim Berry, Editor

CATEGORIES

The ten awards will celebrate outstanding projects and companies in the industry.

While the criteria and focus may differ between categories, all entrants must show how they embody The Hive Awards’ values of innovation and excellence.

The Golden Hive will be awarded if Food & Drink Business decides one of the category winners warrants even greater recognition.

BEST INGREDIENT AWARD

This category recognises breakthrough ingredients transforming how food and beverage manufacturers create flavour, texture, nutrition, function, or sustainability outcomes.

BEST NPD

This category recognises new food and beverage products that convert strong insight, manufacturing excellence, and innovation into commercial success. The award is open to new products launched in calendar year 2025 up to the award’s closure date.

BEST BEVERAGE AWARD

This award celebrates beverages that combine technical achievement, innovation, and market resonance.

BEST FOOD PRODUCT AWARD

This award rewards food innovations that stand out through creativity, manufacturing excellence, and consumer-led performance.

BEST PACKAGING

This category recognises packaging solutions that enhance product appeal, functionality, sustainability, and manufacturing performance.

BEST TECH

This award showcases technology shaping the future of food and beverage manufacturing.

BEST LOCAL MANUFACTURER

This category recognises Australian manufacturers delivering excellence, innovation, and community impact.

RISING STAR/EMERGING LEADER

This award honours individuals shaping the future of the industry through leadership, initiative, and innovation. Candidates can self-nominate or be nominated by a colleague.

GAMECHANGER

This award celebrates innovators redefining what’s possible in food and beverage manufacturing.

THE GOLDEN HIVE

The Golden Hive recipient is selected by Food & Drink Business from the category winners.