![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ffdu.com.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4-3-400x263.png\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ffdu.com.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/8-400x264.png\")
<\/p>\nProfessional tasting competitions in the food industry and retail are an effective tool for independent product quality assessment. Such events are a neutral platform where suppliers and retailers can present their products, receive professional feedback and establish new partnerships. Read more about the principles and objectives of such competitions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
For suppliers, participation in competitions is an opportunity to demonstrate innovations, test updated recipes or confirm the benefits of a traditional product range. Retailers get a tool to update their descriptor bank and find the best products for the shelves.<\/p>\n
The main tasks of the professional competition:<\/p>\n
Samples may be submitted by manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers. Products are submitted from regular batches intended for sale or processing.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ffdu.com.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-1-400x266.png\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ffdu.com.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/5-1-400x264.png\")
<\/h4>\nThe categories depend on the specialisation of the competition: from narrow-profile ones (wine, cheese, coffee) to general ones covering dozens of groups - from beverages and bakery products to deli meats, fish products, frozen convenience foods and alternative proteins.<\/p>\n
For objectivity, products are segmented: FMCG, b2b, innovative developments, imports, etc. Industrial, craft, farm products and products with certification (organic, kosher, halal) are eligible to participate.<\/p>\n
The organisers determine the technical requirements for the samples: category name, volume, packaging, expiry date and transport conditions.<\/p>\n
Manufacturers submitting products to the competition must comply with two main conditions: the integrity of the packaging and the relevance of the expiry date.<\/p>\n
The products are submitted for the competition in the same form as for sale.<\/p>\n
Further preparation is the responsibility of the organisers. The products are unpacked, portioned and, if necessary, cooked to perfection in the case of semi-finished products.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ffdu.com.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/6-1-400x265.png\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ffdu.com.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/7-400x266.png\")
<\/h4>\nThe methodology depends on the goals of the competition.<\/p>\n
Competitive contests rank products within categories. Tasters are calibrated and samples are coded to ensure impartiality. Evaluation competitions check the compliance of products with the declared organoleptic characteristics and standards.<\/p>\n
The tasting panels are composed of independent experts: representatives of retail, HoReCa, industry associations, manufacturing companies, and specialised educational institutions. The tasting is conducted in a \"blind\" manner, with no discussion between the members of the commission.<\/p>\n
Favorite Food & Drinks is a platform for presenting new developments, testing innovations and receiving professional feedback. For suppliers, participation is a confirmation of quality, strengthening of negotiating positions and an additional competitive advantage.<\/p>\n
How to get involved:<\/strong><\/p>\n 24-25 February 2026 - VI\u0406I Favorite Food & Drinks together with II Food Industry Solutions, Kyiv<\/strong><\/p>\n 24 March - Closed meeting of food retail leaders in the format: awards, mini-exhibition, conference, Kyiv<\/strong><\/p>\n Register your tasting samples here https:\/\/forms.gle\/6xWS5Ca5WFWWTk447<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\nThe competition will be held simultaneously with Food Industry Solutions, an industry award for design and technological solutions for the food industry, HoReCa and retail.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n