DISCOVER THE NEW BUSINESS INITIATIVES AWARD
In the ever-evolving world of fine food, where creativity, commitment and entrepreneurial courage play a key role, Gourmet Selection and Le Monde de l’Épicerie Fine are launching the Business Initiatives Award.
This new professional award aims to identify, promote and support companies that are reinventing the fine food sector, going far beyond mere product innovation.
Designed as a lever for visibility, structuring and growth, it is fully in line with the ethos of the Gourmet Selection trade show, the key event for industry influencers and a trendsetter in the sector.
An award dedicated to innovative companies in the fine food sector
The Business Initiatives Award recognises companies (start-ups or established organisations) whose approach is distinguished by a comprehensive and coherent vision:
- product innovation,
- responsible sourcing and manufacturing,
- a committed and relevant business model,
- brand positioning and messaging,
- relationships with retailers,
- local, environmental or social commitment,
- and driven by a committed leader.
Innovation here is defined broadly, referring to long-term, sustainable innovations that are helping to structure and strengthen the industry.
An initiative at the very heart of the Gourmet Selection trade show
By hosting this award at the fair, Gourmet Selection reinforces its role as a talent scout and brand accelerator.
In turn, Le Monde de l’Épicerie Fine is putting its editorial strength, its industry credibility and its influence at service of this joint initiative.
The award ceremony will take place during the Gourmet Selection trade show, making this a key symbolic and professional moment.
Who was able to apply for the Business Initiatives Award?
The award was opened to companies meeting the following criteria:
Main activity:
Both exhibitors and non-exhibitors
With a structured and distinctive business project.
A jury composed of industry professionals
The jury was exclusively composed of professionals from the sector, with a close understanding of market realities and the challenges facing businesses:
- Alain Léon – Jury Member – Director of the Savor & Sens Group
- Maxime Julhès – Jury Member – Deputy Managing Director of Julhès Paris
- Bruno Lecoq – Co-organiser – Editor-in-Chief, Le Monde de l’Epicerie Fine
- Fernando Medina Zenoff – Co-organiser – Event Director, Salon Gourmet Selection and Salon du Fromage – Comexposium
- Isabelle Fabre – Co-organiser – Deputy Marketing and Communications Director, Food – Comexposium
Chair of the jury
The role is held by Florence Hardy, founder and director of Maison Médélys. She is a recognized entrepreneurial figure in the gourmet sector: she is the first female business owner to set up at the MIN in Rungis.
Tangible and useful rewards for the winners
The Business Initiatives Award goes far beyond a symbolic trophy.
The winner(s) will benefit from:
In Gourmet Selection and Le Monde de l’Épicerie Fine (print, digital, social media).
Promotion, enhanced presence, partner area.
Assessment of the product range, positioning, distribution, and messaging with members of the jury.
Introductions to fine food retailers and distributors.
Jury’s Favourite
The jury also awarded a Jury’s Favourite prize, which recognised a more original, emerging or unconventional company, and provided a tailored prize alongside a strong editorial and networking support.
The Business Initiatives Award Programme
- Short, structured application.
- Emphasis on vision, project and overall approach.
- 8 to 12 applications shortlisted.
- Via video conference or in person.
- At the Gourmet Selection trade show.
- Immediate publicity, editorial and media coverage by Le Monde de l’Épicerie Fine and Gourmet Selection.
An award in support of the entire industry
The Business Initiatives Award enables us to:
- position Gourmet Selection and Le Monde de l’Epicerie Fine as leaders of the gourmet community,
- offer tangible added value to innovative businesses,
- create an annual event eagerly anticipated by the industry,
- and highlight the players who will shape the future of fine food.
Key dates to remember
- From now: submission of applications
- 18 May 2026: closing of applications
- 28 May 2026: jury meeting
- 7 June 2026: Award ceremony at the trade show