‘A woman eats in the canteen of the Soviet-era sanatorium’ by Jo Kearney (UK), Overall winner, World Food Photography Awards
From a bird’s-eye view of a gourmet festival to the simple outline of a ruby-red cocktail, there is much to tempt the tastebuds in the latest edition of this world-class competition.
The World Food Photography Awards 2026 – sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini – is an invitation to indulge the eyes and widen the horizons.
Here, we boil down 203 winning images to a small plate of favourites, with commentary from the photographers and selectors.
‘The festival of food enthusiasts’ by Pingyao Song (China), 1st place, Champagne Taittinger Food for Celebration
At the Gourmet Festival hundreds of food enthusiasts gather around a communal banquet. The rich aroma of red broth – simmered with chilli peppers, fermented bean paste, beef tallow, Sichuan peppercorn, ginger, sugar, salt, soy sauce, and spices – fills the air. Participants savour fresh ingredients like beef, beef aorta, tripe, luncheon meat and tofu, or lift their lights and phones to livestream, focusing on the bubbling pot. Through tasting, sharing and interaction, they convey the authentic flavours and lively atmosphere of Sichuan hotpot to food lovers across China and around the world.
‘Twin bridesmaids enjoy canapés, Devon, UK’ by Emma Stoner (UK), 1st place, Champagne Taittinger Wedding Food Photographer
Twin bridesmaids enjoy canapés of Proper Crisps at Jess and Tom’s wedding. They are pictured in the gardens at The Grain Store in Devon, UK.
‘Ine fishing village, Kyoto, Japan’ by Albert González (Spain), 1st place, Cream of the Crop
Squids drying in the sun using the traditional Japanese technique of himono in the fishing village of Ine, Kyoto prefecture, Japan.
‘Tozlu yolculuk’ by Serkan Doğus (UK), 1st place, Food in the Field
Every morning hundreds of sheep arrive in the village from the high pastures of Mount Nemrut for milking. After the milking is completed, at sunset the sheep set out once again toward Mount Nemrut and their dusty journey begins.
‘In the eye of the kvevri’ by Luke Carver (France), 1st place, Louis Jadot Wine Photographer of the Year – Produce
[This image was] shot from inside a kvevri – a large earthenware pot traditionally used for making and storing wine – during the 2025 grape harvest in Georgia.
‘Campari barmen, Milan’ by Marie-Louise Moutafchieva (Canada), 1st place, World of Drinks
I happened by chance to turn my attention to the local bar on the corner of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Camparino. The expression of the barman and the waiter dressed in white tuxedos instantly created a story I had to capture. It was one of those moments where I found myself in the right place at the right time.
‘Red cocktail’ by Lara Zeh (Germany), 1st place, RPS Student Food Photographer of the Year
A sophisticated, monochromatic study of heat and elegance. This deep crimson composition uses a precise spotlight to highlight the glass’s silhouette and create depth. Featuring a handcrafted chilli-sugar rim, the image focuses on geometric symmetry and rich textures, translating the cocktail’s spicy character into a bold, artistic statement.
‘Romanesco at Panzer’s’ by Ariel Owliaei (UK), 1st place, Jamie Oliver Youth Prize (12 and under)
We go to visit Panzer’s Deli in St John’s Wood, London on Fridays after school. I’ve never tried romanesco. The shape is something from another world.
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