ENTER THE BEST OF 2026 COMPETITION
The next edition of the Gourmet Selection trade fair will take place from 7 to 8 June 2026 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles - Pavilion 7.2.
Taking part in the Best Of competition allows you to present your product to a jury of industry specialists and gain recognition that can make all the difference to distributors, delicatessens and buyers.
High visibility for award-winning products
Winning a Best Of award is a genuine mark of quality in the fine food sector. Winning products may use the competition logos on their marketing materials and packaging to highlight their distinction.
The awards may also offer additional visibility opportunities. In 2026, Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet is renewing its partnership with the competition. Selected products will be showcased in the Le Gourmet store for several weeks, offering exposure in an iconic venue for French gastronomy.
Who can enter the competition
The Best Of competition is open exclusively to exhibitors at the Gourmet Selection trade show.
Each exhibitor can enter their products directly via their customer portal.
- The first product entered is free
- Additional products are charged at €50 excl. VAT per product
- An exhibitor may enter up to four products
Products must have been launched in 2025 or 2026 and must not have previously won a prize in a previous edition of the competition.
Key dates for the Best Of 2026 competition
To take part, exhibitors must follow several important steps:
- Registration opens: February 2026
- Registration closes: 11 May 2026
- Sample submission deadline: 13 May 2026 at the latest
- Final judging: 19 May 2026
- Awards ceremony: 7 June 2026
To maximise their chances, exhibitors are encouraged to enter their products as early as possible.
How to enter the competition
Entering the Best Of competition involves three simple steps:
- Register your product via your exhibitor portal
- Send five samples of the product for tasting
- Await the jury’s final selection
The jury’s evaluation criteria
Entries are assessed according to five criteria, totalling 100 points.
Flavour and quality – /40
Taste quality is the primary selection criterion.
Innovation – /20
The product must offer something new or respond to a market trend.
Uniqueness – /15
The product must stand out in terms of its concept, origin or identity.
Naturalness – /15
The judges examine the ingredients used, the naturalness of the product and its environmental impact.
Packaging – /10
The packaging must be consistent with the product’s positioning.
A competition that celebrates culinary innovation
In a market where differentiation is essential, product competitions play an important role in showcasing innovations and attracting buyers’ attention.
According to food market analyses published by Circana and NielsenIQ, consumers are paying increasing attention to the quality of ingredients, the authenticity of products and new taste experiences. In this context, the Best Of competition provides a prime showcase for producers and brands wishing to promote their new products.
What if your product were among the Best Of 2026?
For exhibitors, it is an opportunity to present their innovations to a jury of experts, attract the attention of industry professionals and boost the visibility of their products.
As the Gourmet Selection 2026 trade fair approaches, entries to the Best Of competition represent a strategic opportunity to showcase the new products that will shape tomorrow’s trends.