CPG Awards adds frozen foods to buyer-judged competition

CPG Awards by Food & Beverage Magazine is expanding its 2026 competition beyond shelf-stable products to include frozen foods for the first time. Registration is open now, with product samples due Dec. 4, 2026, as brands seek visibility with retail buyers.

Why it matters: - The expanded program gives packaged-food brands a new way to reach retail CPG buyers and other decision-makers. - Frozen-food entrants now have a dedicated platform in a competition built to showcase products with retail and freezer-aisle potential. - Emerging brands can use the awards to build awareness, while established brands can highlight innovation and category leadership.

What happened: - CPG Awards by Food & Beverage Magazine opened 2026 registrations for packaged-food brands. - The competition is adding frozen foods for the first time alongside its shelf-stable categories. - The program is based in Las Vegas. - Registration is available at More information. - The listed deadline for registration and product-sample receipt is Dec. 4, 2026.

The details: - Shelf-stable entries can include products in cans, pouches, bags, boxes, bottles, wrappers and other packaged formats. - Eligible shelf-stable categories include snacks, sauces, condiments, cereals, baking products and confectionery. - Other shelf-stable categories include preserved foods, meal kits, gourmet products and functional foods. - Beverages, international flavors, specialty dietary offerings, baby food, pet food and supplements also qualify. - Frozen entries can include frozen meals and meal components. - Other frozen categories include appetizers, party foods, breakfast items, vegetables, sides, desserts and sweet treats. - Pizza, pasta, comfort-food concepts, plant-based products and dietary-specific products are eligible. - International, chef-inspired and family-friendly frozen foods are also part of the program. - The awards are designed for retail-ready brands that want to stand out on quality, flavor, convenience, packaging and consumer appeal. - The judging pool includes buyers, making the program especially relevant for brands seeking retail placement.

Between the lines: - The frozen-food expansion signals where the competition sees momentum in consumer demand: convenience, premium comfort food, global flavors and cleaner ingredients. - The buyer-judge format suggests the program is aiming to be more than a brand showcase; it is also a sales-facing pitch to retailers. - The event is positioned to help products move from shelf appeal to repeat purchase by appealing to both shoppers and buying teams. - Social links shared by the organizer include LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X.

What's next: - Brands can submit entries and samples through the Dec. 4 deadline. - The competition will evaluate shelf-stable and frozen products for retail visibility with buyer judges. - Companies looking to participate can enter through More information.

The bottom line: - CPG Awards is broadening its 2026 lineup to capture frozen-food innovation and give packaged brands a more direct route to retail buyers.