How to create a winning Supplier Award entry

Find the evidence

Describe the goals you have set, the actions taken and the measurable results. This could be in the form of KPIs, financial savings, profit, uptake or timelines: remember, concrete data convinces judges. Phil Sanderson, sales director at Valentine & Cuisinequip, says whether you are trying to save money, improve sustainability or boost service quality, include “case studies, testimonials and data that can really validate and back up the difference your products make and demonstrate how your solutions solve real-world operator challenges”.

Tell your own story

Structure your submission so it flows and provides plenty of heart. Add extra information, such as a short case study, anecdote or employee or customer feedback to make the entry memorable – but keep it relevant to the nomination.

Darryl Bate, director and founder of A2H Solutions, says entrants should tell the story behind measurable results. Evans shared: “Explain the “why” behind your actions and the positive impact they’re creating for your customers, your team and the wider industry. Authentic storytelling backed by action always stands out.”

From left: Sustainability Initiative of the Year winner Delphis Eco, and double award-winner Pip Organic, which won the Drinks Brand of the Year and SME Brand of the Year 

Show what makes you different

Highlighting unique initiatives, staff heroes, customer feedback or creativity that competitors can’t replicate will make your entry stand out. As Sanderson shared: “Show your wider impact. We are proud of our after-sales care and were able to really demonstrate how our service goes beyond the sale of a product through ongoing training, education and industry support. It proves you’re invested in the sector’s long-term success rather than just pure commercial gain.”

Learn from others

Talk to past finalists or winners and read last year’s winners’ profiles to understand why they won. Peer insight can sharpen your approach and presentation.

Personalise and polish

Nominations that are cut and paste are easy to spot – the application should focus on these awards and criteria, not a generic application that has likely been submitted elsewhere, so tailor your Supplier Awards entry – judges will see through it if not.

Bates offered sage advice: “Keep it real. Authenticity and a genuine understanding of your sector always shine through.” So that means checking facts, spelling and grammar, and removing marketing language. If you’re a PR submitting on behalf of a client, provide exhaustive, category-specific detail so judges don’t have to guess.

Enter your product, company or star employee today

The 2026 Supplier Awards are open for nominations. Enter today for your chance to shine and reaffirm your position as a leading player in the hospitality supply chain. Entries close at 3pm on 5 December. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at One Moorgate Place, London, on 16 April 2026.