It takes gumption, tenacity and passion to get a new business off the ground – especially if you’re spreading your wings in the speciality food and drink sector.

From conceiving an original idea, to gaining funding, scaling up production and marketing, there is a mountain to climb towards success.

The founders of Speciality & Fine Food Fair recognise this success as a tremendous achievement – one to be celebrated. This pinnacle event in the speciality food and drink diary is proud to have helped many businesses take their first steps in the industry via its highly regarded Start-Up Village.

In commemoration of Speciality & Fine Food Fair’s landmark 25th anniversary, organiser Montgomery Group is collaborating with Speciality Food Magazine to mark the achievements of 25 of the most exciting new rising stars and entrepreneurs in food and drink today. Each Rising Star will be profiled within a dedicated section of the June magazine, and honoured at Speciality & Fine Food Fair during the event 10-11 September 2024.

Event Manager Nicola Woods commented: “We are thrilled to be marking the 25th anniversary of Speciality & Fine Food Fair by recognising 25 of the most exciting rising stars in the world of speciality food and drink, in partnership with Speciality Food Magazine. Our industry is packed with entrepreneurs who are blazing a trail, driving innovation, and inspiring the sector. Since the very beginning one of the core goals of the fair has been providing a platform to these individuals and supporting their future growth and success. We can’t wait to read the nominations for our Rising Stars and celebrate with you at this year’s event.” 

Charlotte Smith-Jarvis, Acting Editor of Speciality Food Magazine, said: “Our magazine shares a history of more than two decades with Speciality & Fine Food Fair, and we align with the event on our values of showcasing the very best of the artisan food and drink world. Our team is delighted to be partnering with Montgomery Group to recognise the significant achievements of some of food and drink’s most luminary, inspirational entrepreneurs, who not only deliver delicious, category-leading products, but also demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices, driving change, and creating the ‘next big thing’. 

“We’re very excited to be able to platform some truly exceptional people alongside Speciality & Fine Food Fair this autumn.”

How to enter

We are on the hunt for passionate, driven, and creative individuals who’ve developed new brands that have disrupted the market, grown exponentially and sustainably in a short space of time, or been at the cusp of innovation, blazing a trail for others to follow.

And we need your help to seek out the most worthy candidates for recognition this year. Please join us in our quest to honour the next generation of food and drink business leaders by nominating them here.

Your nomination can be for any food and drink business founder in the speciality sector. Founders may also nominate themselves for recognition.

The closing date for entries is May 10, 2024.