Clarity on awarding process – Gold, Silver or Bronze
Winning a Gold Small Producer Award creates a route into Whole Foods Market’s buying process; it does not itself constitute or guarantee a retail listing.
The sponsorship agreement says Whole Foods Market will take part in the dedicated judging, facilitate Meet the Buyer calls, provide coaching/development support, and may list multiple Gold winners “should their products meet WFM criteria”, with up to 12 products contemplated.
Terms and Conditions Update
Whole Foods Market UK Small Producer Award – Retail Opportunity
Whole Foods Market UK is the official sponsor of the 2026 Quality Food & Drink Awards Small Producer Award.
As part of the partnership, selected Small Producer entrants and winners may have the opportunity to engage directly with the Whole Foods Market UK team through activities including product sampling and assessment, Meet the Buyer conversations, introductions to relevant team members, and coaching and commercial development support.
Gold Small Producer Award winners will have the opportunity to be considered for a potential listing with Whole Foods Market UK. A Gold award does not constitute or guarantee a listing.
Any potential listing is subject to Whole Foods Market UK's usual commercial, product, operational and supplier requirements and approval processes, including, where applicable, further product assessment, sampling, commercial discussions and due diligence. Whole Foods Market UK retains sole discretion as to whether any product is ultimately listed, the number of products selected, the stores or channels in which a product may be stocked, and the timing, duration and commercial terms of any listing.
Participation in the Quality Food & Drink Awards, progression to the Small Producer Award judging process, or receipt of a Gold, Silver or Bronze award does not create a contractual entitlement to a retail listing or other commercial relationship with Whole Foods Market UK.
The Quality Food & Drink Awards and Metropolis International Group Limited do not make any representation or guarantee that an entrant or winner will secure a listing with Whole Foods Market UK.