Following the successful introduction of its dedicated importer category, the London Beer Competition returns in 2026 with a renewed invitation to the UK trade. Importers operating within the British market are called upon to compete for two distinguished titles that recognise strategic excellence and sustained portfolio performance.

THE AWARDS INCLUDE:
 

▸ Importer of the Year UK 2026

▸ Importer of the Year by Country UK Market 2026

Now in their second year, these accolades honour the companies shaping the UK Beer landscape through disciplined selection, commercial intelligence, and consistent quality delivery.

RECOGNISING THE ARCHITECTS OF THE UK BEER MARKET
 

Importers remain central to the vitality of the British beer sector. They identify emerging producers, curate balanced and commercially viable portfolios, manage pricing architecture, and ensure that beer reach the right channels, whether independent merchants, national retail, or on-trade.

The Importer of the Year awards distinguish those whose portfolios perform strongly across the Competition’s three judging pillars of quality, value for money, and packaging.

1. IMPORTER OF THE YEAR 2026 UK
 

This accolade is awarded to the importer whose overall submission demonstrates exceptional and sustained performance.

To qualify:

▸ Entrants must submit a minimum of 10 beer

▸ Achieve an average portfolio score of at least 85 percent

▸ Secure a minimum of 4 Gold medals.

Among qualified companies, the highest overall average score determines the winner.

Evaluation is based on total medals achieved across Gold, Silver, and Bronze, average score across all submitted beers, and the degree of consistency demonstrated throughout the portfolio. The result is a distinction that reflects structural strength rather than short-term success.

2. IMPORTER OF THE YEAR BY COUNTRY UK MARKET
 

Complementing the overall award, this category recognises importers that demonstrate particular depth and authority within specific beer-producing nations.

Eligible countries include France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the USA, Chile, Portugal, and Germany.

To qualify within a country category:

▸ Importers must submit a minimum of ten beer from that origin.

▸ Achieve an 85 percent portfolio average.

▸ Secure at least four Gold medals.

The highest qualified average within each country prevails.

This structure rewards regional expertise, long-term producer relationships, and disciplined portfolio building within defined geographic focuses.

TANGIBLE COMMERCIAL BENEFITS
 

Recognition at the London Beer Competition extends beyond the "medals".

Winning importers receive -

▸ Editorial profiling across leading UK trade titles, including On Trade and Drinks Merchants, reinforcing visibility among buyers and decision makers.

▸ Overall Importer of the Year will be formally recognised as Lunch Sponsor worth £ 2,000 at the subsequent year’s Competition.

EXCLUSIVE WINNER MARKETING & GROWTH PACKAGES
 

In addition, winners may access a suite of optional promotional tools designed to convert accolades into commercial traction.

 1. LBC 2026 Gold Medal – 1000 pcs Pack + Social Media Post

Price: £200.00 GBP

Includes official medal stickers and branded social announcement.

2. Matched Buyer Leads & Outreach (via CPGBuyerAI)

Price: £229.00 GBP

|| Access qualified UK trade buyers ​​​​​with enriched contacts and outreach-ready intelligence.

3. Advertorial Post

Price: £500.00 GBP

|| Feature article published across BTN’s UK trade platforms.

4. Newsletter Feature

Price: £800.00 GBP

|| Dedicated exposure to BTN’s UK trade subscriber database.

HOW TO ENTER
 

▸ Enter a minimum of 10 beers into the London Beer Competition.

▸ Select “Importer” as your company type.

▸ Qualification for the Importer awards happens automatically based on performance.