What are the additional categories?
All entries will be automatically entered into the following categories:
- Sustainable Product
- Innovative Product
- UK Made Product
Can products that have won a BPMA Product Award before be entered again?
Yes. Products that have previously won a BPMA Product Award remain eligible for entry, provided they continue to meet all entry requirements.
Can I enter the same product year after year?
Yes. Products can be entered year after year, including those that have previously won a BPMA Product Award, provided they continue to meet all entry requirements.
When can we enter the Marketing Campaign awards?
Members can enter The Marketing Campaigns of the Year during the same period. More details about these categories can be found under bpma.co.uk/awards. These Award categories will be presented in January 2026.
Is there a limit on the number of entries?
You can enter as many times as you like.
Do the categories only apply to brand new products?
The products which are already on the market can be entered into any category as long as you can evidence the dates on the market.
The only category which requires a brand new product is the Innovation of the Year and takes into account new products on the market available from November 2024 to October 2025. Please note, if you have won a Product Award before, this product cannot be re-entered. See our terms for more details.
What period do these awards relate to?
The Product Awards apply to any product available to the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) market between January 2026 and October 2026, produced, marketed, or manufactured by the supplier presenting the product and who can evidence they have the right to market and supply. The product can be new to market during the period or an existing product on the market.
Can we enter more than one category?
Yes, you can as long as the product is relevant to the category description. Any entry submitted which does not fit the category criteria may be rejected with no refund available
Can we enter the same submission in more than one category?
Yes, you can. Provided they meet all entry requirements.
How will I know if my submission has been received?
Once you have submitted your entry, you will receive an email confirming your entry name and the category you have entered. This email will also contain a unique reference number that will be used in future correspondence relating to your entry.
If you do not receive your confirmation email, please contact awards@bpma.co.uk. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any server, technical or broadband issues.
Who can enter?
The Product Awards are open to all BPMA supplier members and any Qualifying Supplier with products on the market in 2026. Qualifying Suppliers are those companies that have registered status in the UK or overseas, have been actively trading in the UK market for more than 12 months and are classed as Trade Only, Multi-Channel. Not open to Distributors or Agencies.
What are the specific entry form requirements?
Please read each question carefully on the entry process and ensure you answer fully. You will be asked to provide:
- Description of the product, its key qualities and attributes, functionality and purpose
- Product USP (unique selling proposition) captured in a sentence
- Minimum order quantities (MOQs)
- 3 trade price points
- Any credentials, claims, clearly evidenced and substantiated
- Where relevant, eco or sustainable credentials
- Sustainable Product Information
- Innovative aspect of your product
- UK Made qualifying criteria
- A short statement on why your product should win in this category
- Supporting imagery showing the product clearly
- Supporting documentation
When does the website open for entries?
Entries open at 08:00, 1st September 2026.
When is the closing date for entries?
Entries close at 17:00, 9th October 2026.
Are there any time extensions?
There are no time extensions to this date, however we reserve the right to extend should circumstances dictate. Please see our terms for more information.
How do I enter?
You need to set up a profile on the BPMA Awards platform and you can start drafting your entries once entries have opened at 08:00 on 1st September 2026.
Will I get charged to set up an entry?
No, you will only be charged once your entry has been submitted.
Can I edit my entry after it has been submitted?
If you have submitted your entry before the entry deadline on 9th October at 17:00, you can log back into your account and edit your entry, though this will need to be resubmitted. If you do not submit your entry again for judging by the deadline, your entry won’t be submitted for judging and you will still be charged.
When will I find out if we have been shortlisted?
Our shortlist will be announced on 21st October 2026 via email and social media.
Do we need to supply a sample of our entered product?
If shortlisted, you will be required to send your branded product sample to the BPMA office on or before 2nd November 2026. You must supply a branded sample as a condition of your entry so if you do not have one and get shortlisted, you will be disqualified.
How are the entries judged?
An independent panel made up of experienced industry professionals will judge the Product Awards in two rounds, concluding in a face to face discussion. Full details on the judging criteria can be seen in our Terms & Conditions.
Can I get feedback on my entry?
If you require specific feedback on your entry, this may be provided on request after the Awards are concluded. We reserve the right not to provide feedback. Please note we cannot comment on any submissions during the judging process and some comments may not be shared.
Can the BPMA provide any guidance?
The BPMA can help recommend categories for your products, but they are unable to vet, proofread or edit any part of your entry or discuss any aspect of entries received.
When and where are the winners announced?
Each category will be awarded a Platinum, Gold and Silver winner. The winners will be announced on 10th December 2026 to the industry at the BPMA Christmas Lunch and featured in Merch Magazine, except the Grand Prix winner, who will be awarded at the BPMA Awards Dinner, 22nd January 2027.
What promotion and PR do we get if we win?
We provide a raft of PR and publicity around each winner to ensure every Award reaches a wide audience. This includes promotion in Merch Magazine, through press releases and at Merchandise World. This also includes your digital winner logos which can be used on social media, promotional materials and more.
All winning products receive an ‘Award Winners logo’ which suppliers can use for their own marketing and promotional purposes before, during and after Merchandise World.
All Platinum, Gold and Silver product winners will feature in the January/ February 2027 issue of Merch Magazine as well as the BPMA Newsletter and on Sourcing City News. Winners will be notified prior to Merchandise World January 2027, so that they can feature winning products and award logo in their marketing and communications.
All Platinum Award presentation photos will feature in the post-show edition of Merch Magazine and newsletter and on Sourcing City News.
Winners can ask catalogue groups who feature their products to add their winner logo next to their product entries.
We’ve still got questions! Who should we contact if our question has not been answered in the FAQs?
Please email awards@bpma.co.uk with any further questions.