Free Range Awards 2026 now open for nominations

Published on : 3 Jun 2026

The Free Range Awards provide an opportunity for the industry to come together and celebrate the achievements, innovation and dedication that continue to drive the free range egg sector forward!

Applications are now open for the Free Range Awards 2026, the highlight of the year for free range egg producers and the wider egg industry.

Sponsored by Morspan Construction and hosted by acclaimed comedian, actor and presenter Hugh Dennis, the awards bring together producers, packers, suppliers, retailers, food businesses and industry supporters to celebrate the people and businesses driving the sector forward. Winners will be announced at the BFREPA Gala Dinner on Thursday 26 November 2026 at the Telford International Centre, one of the free range egg sector's premier social and networking events.

Held in association with the Pullet Hatcheries & Breeders Association and in partnership with Noble Foods, the event will once again welcome guests from across the UK for an evening of celebration, networking and industry recognition, supported by Alltech, Newquip, Elanco and Innovad Group.

The awards recognise excellence across every part of the free range egg industry, from the producers caring for birds every day to the businesses developing innovative products, investing in sustainability, supporting farms and promoting eggs to consumers.

Nominations are now open across all categories, including Producer of the Year, Young Free Range Egg Producer of the Year, National Food Business of the Year, Local Food Business of the Year, Free Range Egg Product of the Year, Marketing Initiative of the Year, Environmental Sustainability Award, Employee of the Year, Innovation of the Year and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Producer of the Year remains at the heart of the awards, recognising outstanding producers who demonstrate excellence in production, welfare, sustainability, quality standards and their wider contribution to the industry. Entrants will be assessed by the judging panel and allocated to the most appropriate category, with Small, Medium and Large Producer awards determined according to the number and nature of applications received.

The awards also celebrate the next generation of egg producers through the Young Free Range Egg Producer of the Year category, recognising individuals aged 35 and under who are making their mark on the industry through strong stockmanship, innovation and business development.

Food businesses continue to play a vital role in supporting the sector and will be recognised through both the National Food Business of the Year and Local Food Business of the Year awards. These categories celebrate organisations that champion free range eggs through retail, manufacturing, hospitality, food service, farm shops, bakeries, restaurants and other outlets.

The Free Range Egg Product of the Year award reflects the growing range of egg products now available to consumers. From boiled eggs, omelettes and egg bites to sandwiches, wraps, ready meals, snack packs and bakery products, free range eggs are being used in more innovative ways than ever before.

Other categories recognise the valuable contribution made by businesses throughout the supply chain. Marketing Initiative of the Year will reward campaigns that successfully promote free range eggs, egg products or services to the industry, while Innovation of the Year will celebrate products, technologies and services that are delivering tangible benefits to producers and helping shape the future of the sector.

The Environmental Sustainability Award recognises producers, businesses and organisations leading the way in reducing environmental impact and improving sustainability. This remains a key area of focus for the industry and one in which BFREPA continues to play an active role through initiatives such as its carbon calculator programme developed in partnership with Alltech.

The Employee of the Year award provides an opportunity to recognise the dedicated individuals who help make successful free range egg businesses possible. Whether they work in stockmanship, egg collection, management, administration or another key role, the award celebrates those who consistently go above and beyond.

At the pinnacle of the awards is the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to an individual who has dedicated their career to the free range egg industry and whose contribution has left a lasting legacy. It is an opportunity for the sector to recognise and thank those individuals whose commitment, leadership and service have helped shape the industry we know today.

All entries and nominations will be treated in confidence and assessed by a specially selected BFREPA judging panel.

Applications and nominations are now open. To enter, nominate an individual or business, or view the full award criteria - CLICK HERE!

The Free Range Awards provide an opportunity for the industry to come together and celebrate the achievements, innovation and dedication that continue to drive the free range egg sector forward.