Businesses across Northern Ireland’s thriving food-to-go sector have been given an additional few days to enter this year’s Northern Ireland Food To Go Awards, with organisers extending the deadline to Tuesday 14 July 2026 following significant interest from across the industry.
The awards, organised by the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association (NIFTGA), celebrate excellence across the sector, recognising the independent businesses, teams, suppliers and individuals who continue to drive innovation, quality and customer experience throughout Northern Ireland.
The extension follows a significant increase in entry numbers plus requests from businesses seeking additional time to complete their entries during one of the industry’s busiest trading periods.
This year’s awards feature several new categories introduced in response to industry feedback, including Best Chicken to Go, Employee of the Year and Local Producer of the Year, alongside returning categories recognising outstanding food businesses from across the region.
Michael Henderson, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association, said: “We’ve been delighted by the increased level of interest in this year’s awards and the quality of entries already received.
“Many businesses have told us they simply need a little more time to showcase what they’ve achieved over the past year. As the voice of Northern Ireland’s food-to-go sector, we want to ensure every deserving business can enter and for FREE.
“Our industry is made up of passionate, hardworking people who go above and beyond every day. These awards are about recognising that dedication and celebrating the businesses that continue to raise standards, create jobs and make a real contribution to their local communities.
“If you’ve been considering entering but haven’t quite got your submission finished, now is the time. Don’t miss the opportunity to put your business forward.”
Northern Ireland Food To Go Awards
Now in its third year, the Northern Ireland Food To Go Awards have become the sector’s official flagship awards programme, celebrating excellence across independent takeaways, cafés, coffee shops, sandwich bars, delis, convenience food-to-go retailers and suppliers.
The winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony on Tuesday 17 November 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Belfast, with Henderson Foodservice returning as headline sponsor. Other sponsors include Invest NI, Budget Energy, Power NI, Coca Cola, Zeus Packaging, Delifrance, Andrew Ingredients, That Prize Guy, Lokhem Business Solutions, Legacy Resources, K&G McAtamney Wholesale Meats, The Agency, and EB Gas.
Businesses can submit entries across multiple categories, with entry remaining free of charge.
The new closing date for entries is Tuesday 14 July 2026.
Further information and entry details are available via the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association’s website and social media channels.
