Entries have opened for the 2026 International Brewing & Ciders Awards, which will take place in Manchester from 3rd-5th March.
Lara Lopes, head brewer at Round Corner Brewing, with a handful of gold medals from the 2024 awards
Previously known as the Brewing Industry International Awards, the competition dates back to 1886.
“I feel a great deal of responsibility to be overseeing the organisation of an international beer and cider competition that is 140 years old,” said Ruth Evans, chief executive of the BfBI and organiser of the awards.
“The core values of the competition remain true to its heritage, reflecting the passion and dedication of entrants for their beers and ciders. Our competition judges diligently share the responsibility of choosing not just the best beers and ciders, but those with commercial worth.”
Staged every two years, the International Brewing & Cider Awards are a rare opportunity for breweries to have their beers judged by their peers, and have been nicknamed the ‘Oscars of brewing’.
“The International Brewing & Cider Awards are organised by the industry for the industry,” said Ruth. “The passion and dedication of the organising team, stewards, and judges support the core principles of robust peer review, based on excellence and commercial worth.”
Lara Lopes, head brewer at Round Corner Brewing, won the trophy for best international keg beer at the 2024 awards. She said: “Being awarded the trophy for keg ale and multiple gold medals at the International Brewing Awards was a tremendous honour.
“Recognition from such a respected panel of brewing peers is one of the strongest endorsements our beers can receive. This award is a powerful validation of our commitment to quality and serves as trusted assurance for our customers and trade partners alike.”
Submissions for the awards are open at entries.brewingawards.org/ and will close on 31st January, 2026. Each entry costs £187, plus VAT.
