World's biggest food photography awards reveals mouthwatering shortlist

An airplane flies overhead in a blue sky, framed by tall stacks of crackers resembling skyscrapers — "Use your imagination and you will see things differently," says photographer Květa Trčková about the image *Transit,* shortlisted for the MPB Award for Innovation (Image credit: Květa Trčková / World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini)

Food connects people around the world, and capturing this genre is a favorite of photographers of all backgrounds and perspectives. But just the most impressive, impactful, and stunning culinary images were now shortlisted by the World Food Photography Awards, sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini.

For the 15th time, the annual Awards are highlighting a diverse photographic selection, offering a unique glimpse into the lives and cultures around the world. From over 50 countries, thousands of entries were submitted, showcasing the best food photography and videography of the year.

The World Food Photography Awards will announce its 27 categories winners on June 2, 2026 – with the competition's Overall Winner receiving the grand prize of £5,000. For now, let's discover the shortlisted images and speculate who could be crowned as the World Food Photographer of the Year – to see all shortlisted works, click here.

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Shortlist highlights

A roadside pineapple stand with a man under a pink umbrella. The stand is made of cinder blocks, with pineapples neatly arranged in a rocky landscape — Category: unearthed® Food For Sale (Image credit: Valentina Bollea / World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini)

Ananas on the Road by Valentina Bollea (Italy)

"A Guatemalan pineapple vendor has set up his stall in the middle of a road where there is nothing for miles. The pineapples are sold whole or sliced with a strawberry topping."

A sheep looks skyward in the foreground. In the background, a child in a red shirt sits beside a shepherd and more sheep, with a volcano visible against a clear blue sky — Category: Food in the Field (Image credit: Arun Saha / World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini)

Goat's Day Out by Arun Saha (India)

"With Mount Semeru rising in the background, villagers in East Java of Indonesia rear goats as a vital food source. Goats provide nutritious meat and milk, supporting daily diets and festivals. Adapted to the volcanic terrain, they also offer steady income and food security for rural families."

A person in a lab coat peers through a magnifying glass at a cocktail topped with a cherry, surrounded by colorful jars and glassware on a reflective surface — Category: World of Drinks (Image credit: Chloe Hardwick / World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini)

Frankenstein's Cocktail by Chloe Hardwick (UK)

A cake stand displays vertically arranged fish tied with a silver ribbon, resembling a cake. Gray candles lie nearby — Category: MPB Award for Innovation (Image credit: Tracey Rose-Innes / World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini)

Fish cake by Tracey Rose-Innes South Africa

"A literal representation of a Fish Cake. The image is completely different to what you would expect to see if you just read the title but yet it is still beautiful in its own right."

A lively scene at a dining table shows people laughing and playing a game with blindfolds and bibs. Some have food on their faces — Category: Champagne Taittinger Wedding Food Photographer (Image credit: Simon Biffen / World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini)

No Hands. No Cutlery. by Simon Biffen (UK)

"This wedding at The Royal Crescent Hotel sees a group of friends enacting their traditional race to eat dessert without using hands or cutlery."

Close-up of three grilled cheese sandwiches in a row, with melted yellow cheese oozing between slices of golden-brown toasted bread — Category: Production Paradise Previously Published (Image credit: Grzegorz Klukowski / World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini)

Cheese it by Greg Klukowski (Poland)

Picture from campaign for Hochland cheese brand. Food Stylist: Gabi Sowa, Retouching by Katarzyna Kędroń

Aerial view of a bustling kitchen with chefs preparing various dishes. Counters are filled with colorful ingredients and steaming pots — Category: The Philip Harben Award for Food in Action (Image credit: Sebastian Kahnert / World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini)

La Perseverancia Market by Sebastian Kahnert (Germany)

"At La Perseverancia Market in Bogotá, Colombia, dozens of vendors prepare lunch simultaneously."

Champagne bottle on a wooden barrel erupts with foam, creating dynamic, swirling patterns — Category: Louis Jadot Wine Photographer of the Year - Produce (Image credit: Laura Canaparo / World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini)

The Force Behind the Bottle – Contract Winery by Laura Canaparo (Italy)

See the winners & finalist images

Want to see the amazing food images in person?

All 2026 Finalist images will be exhibited from June 3-7, 2026, at The Mall Galleries, London and a hand-picked selection by Fortnum & Mason will be displayed at their iconic store on Piccadilly from June 9, 2026.

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Kim is a photographer, editor and writer with work published internationally. She holds a Master's degree in Photography and Media and was formerly Technique Editor at Digital Photographer, focusing on the art and science of photography. Blending technical expertise with visual insight, Kim explores photography's time-honored yet ever-evolving role in culture. Through her features, tutorials, and gear reviews, she aims to encourage readers to explore the medium more deeply and embrace its full creative potential.

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