The World Food Photography Awards 2026 drew almost 9,000 entries from more than 50 countries
Food has always been about more than what’s on the plate. In hospitality, it’s about storytelling, atmosphere, provenance and creating memorable experiences for guests. That connection between food and storytelling was celebrated once again at the World Food Photography Awards 2026, sponsored by Tenderstem®, where Irish photographers enjoyed notable success on the world stage.
Drawing almost 9,000 entries from more than 50 countries, the awards remain the largest and most prestigious celebration of food photography globally. This year’s competition highlighted the power of imagery to capture the culture, emotion and community that surround food and are themes that resonate strongly across Ireland’s thriving hospitality sector.
Irish Photographers Delivered an Impressive Performance
Dublin photographer Al Higgins secured second place in the World of Drinks category with a stylish 1950s-inspired image captured at the opening of The Sackville cocktail bar in Dublin. Meanwhile, Mayo’s Julia Dunin received a Highly Commended award in the unearthed® Food for Sale category for her evocative photograph of a chicken vendor in Kolkata, India, (Image above) while Kirsty Lyons from Limerick earned Highly Commended recognition in the Fortnum & Mason Food at the Table category for her atmospheric image pairing Irish oysters with a creamy pint at The Pumphouse in rural Wicklow.
Celebrating Food, Culture and Community
The winners of the competition’s 27 categories were revealed by renowned Italian chef and food writer Gennaro Contaldoat theMall Galleries, London, on Tuesday 2 June at an awards evening gathering stars of the food and arts worlds.
A tender image, A Woman Eats in the Canteen of the Soviet-era Sanatorium, by British photographer Jo Kearney, is the Overall Winner of the World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem®, the world’s greatest celebration of food photography.
For Ireland’s hospitality professionals, the awards serve as a timely reminder of the growing importance of visual storytelling in an increasingly digital-first marketplace. From restaurant menus and websites to social media channels and booking platforms, compelling food imagery is now an essential ingredient in attracting and engaging customers.
Tenderstem® Champions Creativity and Craftmanship in Food
As headline sponsor, Tenderstem® continues to champion creativity and craftsmanship within the food industry. The versatile vegetable has become a popular choice among chefs thanks to its sweet, nutty flavour, elegant appearance and zero-waste credentials, making it equally suited to premium restaurant dishes, contemporary small plates and plant-forward menus.
“These Awards highlight the power of photography to tell food stories from around the world,” says Dave Samuels, Brand Director of Tenderstem® and headline sponsor of the Awards. “The remarkable images remind us of the essential role food plays in communities across the globe – through growing, harvesting, cooking, eating, celebrating and surviving. Whatever changes the world goes through, food remains central to our lives.”
That sentiment is echoed throughout the hospitality sector, where diners increasingly value authenticity, provenance and memorable food experiences. The visual appeal of dishes has become as important as flavour in creating moments worth sharing, both around the table and online.
Lorraine Fountain, Senior Commercial Manager for Tenderstem® UK, Europe and Gulf States, says the brand’s growth success here is being driven by growing demand from both chefs and diners alike.
“We’re seeing increasing numbers of chefs actively choosing Tenderstem® as a menu ingredient, while diners are becoming more familiar with the brand and seeking it out when eating out. That combination of chef advocacy and consumer recognition is incredibly powerful. As hospitality businesses continue to look for ways to differentiate their menus, we’re delighted to see Tenderstem® playing a role in helping them create dishes that guests remember and return for.”
For Irish hospitality operators looking to elevate menus and guest experiences, it is also a reminder that ingredients matter. Locally grown Tenderstem® offers year-round availability, versatility and strong plate appeal, helping chefs create dishes that deliver both flavour and visual impact.
Looking Ahead to 2027
A selection of images hand-picked by Fortnum & Mason will be displayed at their iconic store on Piccadilly from Tuesday 9 June. www.worldfoodphotographyawards.com.
With entries for the 2027 World Food Photography Awards opening this September, the event continues to provide inspiration for anyone working in foodservice, hospitality and the wider food industry.
Tenderstem® is available to the food service sector through Richard Moore, MD, GFE. Contact [email protected]. Discover more at www.tenderstem.ie
