The prestigious World Food Photography Awards 2025, formerly known as the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year, has officially opened for entries. This globally recognized competition, now in its 14th year, invites both professional and amateur photographers to showcase the beauty and significance of food through their lens. This year marks a significant rebranding for the awards, now sponsored by Bimi®, a company owned by the Japanese seed producer Sakata.
A New Era for Culinary Photography
The decision to rename the competition reflects its growing global prestige. According to Caroline Kenyon, the competition’s founder, the change to World Food Photography Awards mirrors the competition’s evolution as a benchmark for culinary photography worldwide. “The new name embraces the diversity and reach of the awards as they step into a new era,” says Kenyon. By partnering with Bimi®, the awards continue to align with shared values of quality, sustainability, and integrity in the food industry.
Dave Samuels, Bimi®’s global director, emphasized the brand’s alignment with the competition’s values, underscoring the importance of showcasing how food touches lives across the globe. “This competition is a unique celebration of food’s role in culture, economy, and creativity,” says Samuels.
Categories and Opportunities for Photographers
This year’s competition features 25 categories, encompassing a variety of culinary genres, from food portraits to landscapes, travel, and even photojournalism. New to the 2025 edition is the World of Drinks category, expanding the competition to include drink photography alongside the ever-popular Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Year. The Bimi® Prize will highlight outstanding images of fresh fruits and vegetables, reinforcing the sponsor’s dedication to promoting natural, high-quality produce.
Entries are open until February 9, 2025, inviting photographers from around the world to capture the artistry and story behind food.
The Exhibition and Judging Panel
Finalists in each category will have the honor of exhibiting their work at the Mall Galleries in London, a venue known for hosting some of the world’s top exhibitions. The overall winner will be awarded a £5,000 grand prize (approximately €5,900). The judging panel, chaired by renowned culinary photographer David Loftus, includes industry heavyweights such as Jean-Michel Grand, executive director of Action Against Hunger UK, Claire Reichenbach, CEO of The James Beard Foundation, and Rein Skullerud, photographer and head of photography at the World Food Programme.
Former finalists have praised the competition for its diverse categories, which provide opportunities for both emerging and experienced photographers. Lorraine Pool, a past finalist, noted, “It’s a prestigious platform that celebrates creative approaches to food photography, offering a global stage for both amateurs and professionals.”
A Celebration of Food and Photography
The World Food Photography Awards 2025 is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of how food intersects with culture, identity, and creativity. With the support of Bimi®, this year’s edition promises to reach new heights, offering photographers a platform to showcase their work on an international stage.
