Resilience was the watchword in London last night as leading lights in the hospitality and foodservice sector gathered for the 2026 Footprint Awards. Amid ongoing political and economic headwinds, businesses have proved once again this past year that they refuse to take their foot of the gas in meeting their sustainability ambitions. On the contrary, the winners and nominees have doubled down on their belief that the only way to build long-term stakeholder value is to meet the environmental, social and commercial challenges being thrown at the industry head-on.

Entries in each of the 12 categories showcased a sector fully committed to continuous innovation in areas like carbon reduction, waste management, resource efficiency and stakeholder engagement.

“It’s clear that businesses will not be cowed by the challenges they continue to face,” said Footprint CEO Charles Miers. “The positive energy and inspiration in the room was palpable and the intention to ensure sustainability remains a boardroom priority was clear to see.

“Congratulations to all the winners and those highly commended and my sincere thanks to the sponsors and judges without whom Footprint Awards would not be possible.”

Economic Sustainability Award sponsored by Footprint Festival

Highly Commended: Sodexo UK&I
Winner: Elior

Health in Hospitality & Social Impact Award sponsored by Valpak, a Reconomy Company

Highly Commended: NEMI Teas
Winners – Joint: Cardiff Council & ISS Education

Higher Animal Welfare in Foodservice

Highly Commended: COOK & Grassroots
Winner: Levy UK + Ireland

Innovations in Packaging Award Sponsored by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

Highly Commended: INNOVAS Smart Tray
Winner: Notpla

Stakeholder Engagement Award sponsored by Nestlé Professional

Highly Commended: Levy UK + Ireland
Winner: WSH

Sustainability in Education Award sponsored by MEIKO Green

Highly Commended: Caterlink
Winners: Chartwells, Compass Group

Sustainable Catering Equipment Manufacturing Award sponsored by Sodexo UK&I

Highly Commended: Synergy Grill Technology

Winner: Hoshizaki UK

Sustainable Supplier Award sponsored by Reconomy Connect

Highly Commended: Sodexo UK&I
Winner: Foodsteps with Levy UK + Ireland

Sustainable use of Natural Resources Award sponsored by Footprint Further

Highly Commended: Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages
Winner: Notpla

Sustainable use of Water Award sponsored by Compass Group UK & Ireland

Highly Commended: Wexiodisk
Winner: Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages

Waste Prevention & Management Award sponsored by Fresh Direct

Winner: Sodexo UK&I
Highly Commended: Eurest

Special Achievement Award 2026 sponsored by Nestlé Professional

Joint Winners:

Justin Cadbury, Synergy Grill Technology
Jon Dale, Punch Pubs

*To read what each award was won for: Case Studies about each Footprint Awards Winner and Highly Commended will be available shortly in the Footprint Awards Winners’ Case study section on the website.

A warm thank you to out Headline Sponsor Nestlé Professional and our Sponsors Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Compass Group UK & Ireland, Fresh Direct, Reconomy Connect, Meiko Green,  Sodexo UK&I Valpak, a Reconomy Company and to our partners Candover Brook and Lay & Wheeler.

We are beyond grateful to our panel of judges who give us so much of their time and specialist expertise; adding so much value to Footprint Awards.

Thanks to:

Rachel Bailey – Deputy Director for Growth, Technology and Trade in the Agri‑Food Chain, DEFRA

Clare Clark – Director of Sustainability, Oak View Group

Alistair Dillon – Head of Climate and Environment Unit, House of Commons Select Committee Team

Anya Doherty – Founder, Foodsteps

Dr. Emma Keller – Head of Sustainability, Nestlé UK&I

Celena Fernandez – Sustainability Leader, previously Compass group, KFC and Subway

Davis Gudgeon – Head of External Affairs, Reconomy

Amy de Marsac – Director of Investor Relations & Sustainability, Mitchells & Mutlers plc

Robin Sundaram – Independent Advisor

Justin Turquet – Director of Sustainability, Bunzl Catering & Hospitality Division

Dominic Watkins – Partner & Global Head of Consumer Sector, DWF Law