CPG Awards Expands to Include Frozen Foods Category
Food & Beverage Magazine competition, judged by retail buyers, now accepts frozen meals, appetizers, desserts and sides alongside traditional pantry staples.
The CPG Awards by Food & Beverage Magazine has opened registration for its annual competition, which evaluates consumer packaged goods based on criteria set by the retail buyers who determine shelf placement across the country.
The competition accepts entries across multiple categories including pantry staples, snacks, sauces, beverages, and specialty items. For the first time, the awards are accepting all lines of frozen foods — meals, appetizers, desserts, sides, and breakfast items. The expansion reflects demand from both brands and retailers for recognition within the growing frozen category.
Products are evaluated on two dimensions: taste and design. This dual-judging structure creates multiple pathways for entries to earn recognition. The retail buyer judges — the decision-makers who control what appears on store shelves nationally — serve as the competition's arbiters, making the award meaningful as a credential within the industry's supply chain.
The judging structure positions the awards as a direct conduit between manufacturers and the buyers tasked with selecting inventory. Winning recognition can function as third-party validation when brands approach new retail partners or seek to expand existing shelf space.
Brands interested in entering can submit products during the open registration period. Inquiries about the submission process can be directed to Michele@cpgawards.com.
The competitive landscape for shelf space has intensified as retailers navigate shifting consumer preferences and inventory management. Awards that consolidate buyer input into recognized categories have become standard reference points for brand positioning within the broader retail ecosystem.