Final few sponsorship slots available for food and drink awards

Excitement is building ahead of the official launch of this year’s Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards – and you can be part of this prestigious event.

Now approaching their 18th year, the awards celebrate the very best of Derby’s food and drink scene.

Every year, the awards attract thousands of public nominations – last year’s awards received over 5,000.

Meanwhile, the awards ceremony itself attracts hundreds of people on the night.

Preparations for this year’s event are now in full swing – with the 2026 awards set to be held in an exciting new venue.

In the meantime, Marketing Derby is inviting organisations to come forward to fill the remaining sponsorship slots.

SEGRO plc, Catering24, trentbarton, Derby College Group, University of Derby and Flint Bishop have already pledged their support.

Organisers are now looking for organisations to fill the remaining category sponsor slots: Best International, Best Curry and Best Bar.

As well as gaining media exposure through Marketing Derby’s channels, sponsors will judge their own category – and have the opportunity to sample the food and drink of their chosen finalists as ‘mystery’ customers.

They also get to present their category’s award at the ceremony.

A new sponsor for this year’s awards is SEGRO plc, which is involved in the major food production hub Smartparc SEGRO Derby.

Ben Green, director of development (national markets) at SEGRO, said: “SEGRO is proud to be sponsoring the Derby Food & Drink Awards for the first time.

“Through our long-term investments in the region, including at SmartParc SEGRO Derby, we’re committed to supporting the growth of the region’s food and drink sector and are excited to celebrate the people and businesses driving its success.”

Christopher Tebbs, inward investment executive at Marketing Derby and Food and Drink Awards lead, said: “These are the only awards in Derby which recognise the city’s food and drink sector – and they simply wouldn’t be able to happen without the generous support of our fantastic sponsors.

“With only three sponsorship categories remaining, if you fancy mystery-judging the finalists and enjoying three ‘free’ meals in either category, then get in touch quick!”

To find out more about the sponsorship opportunities available, e-mail christopher.tebbs@marketingderby.co.uk.