MANCHESTER – 22nd June 2026: Gama, a global provider of business information and services specializing in consumer goods innovation, international trade and investment, is today pleased to reveal the finalists that have been shortlisted for the 2026 edition of the Gama Innovation Awards.
Recognising outstanding innovation in the FMCG space, the products shortlisted for the Gama Innovation Awards represent the very best launches unearthed in the last year by Gama’s global network of in-country researchers and analysts across twelve categories: Product, Packaging, Positioning, Branding & Design, SME, Health & Wellness, Best of Britain, Best of Middle East, Hospitality, Travel, Sustainability and Technology.
The 120 products shortlisted in this year’s Gama Innovation Awards – hailing from over 30 countries – once again serve as a fascinating mirror to the broader macroeconomic and cultural forces shaping global FMCG innovation. Emerging as a defining narrative is the striking rise of medical-style branding, heavily influenced by the cultural impact of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, as products lean into clinical, high-efficacy positioning. Meanwhile, a visual revolution is taking place on shelves, with brands deploying vibrant, brightly-coloured ingredients and novel formats designed explicitly for an Instagram-friendly, social-first shopping experience. On the flavour front, regional boundaries continue to blur as Middle Eastern and Far Eastern influences confidently transition from niche sub-categories into the mainstream. Elsewhere, indulgence remains a powerful driver but continues to evolve into an all-encompassing, sensory experience, defined this year by sophisticated, guilt-free treating that refuses to compromise on pleasure.
Commenting on the shortlist, Gama Innovation Director Silvia Ruiz said: “To curate this year’s shortlists, our global team evaluated thousands of cutting-edge launches from over 60 countries, meticulously narrowing the field to only the most disruptive and high-potential concepts. The resulting finalists represent an elite group of innovators who are truly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the FMCG space”.
“Now entering our 11th edition, the Gama Innovation Awards 2026 offer a premier platform for these visionary brands to take centre stage, celebrating their achievements before an exclusive audience of over 500 global industry leaders and tastemakers”.
The overall winner in each category, as voted by a panel of international judges, will be announced on Thursday 22nd October 2026 during the Gama Innovation Conference & Awards (GICA).
To see the shortlist for each category, click HERE .
Returning for 2026, the Gama Innovation Box initiative will give innovative suppliers a unique opportunity to connect directly with a diverse range of retailers, distributors and commercial partners. Also returning this year, Gama Speed Pitch pairs innovative start-up and scale-up FMCG businesses with private and institutional investors keen to expand their consumer goods portfolios.
Commenting on the announcement, Gama Founder & CEO Cesar Pereira said: “We are thrilled to welcome back the Gama Innovation Awards for 2026 to celebrate the exceptional creativity shaping the future of global FMCG. The extraordinary calibre of this year’s finalists is a powerful reminder of the resilience and vision driving our industry forward. We are incredibly proud that the Gama Innovation Awards continues to serve as a vital global catalyst, and we hope they will once again stimulate meaningful trade connections, investment and collaboration so that the innovators of today can scale new heights tomorrow.”
GICA 2025 video highlights below:
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About GICA 2026
The 11th edition of the Gama Innovation Conference & Awards (GICA), will take place on Thursday 22nd October 2026 at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.
GICA 2026 is an invitation-only event and will welcome over 500 attendees from around the globe, including FMCG manufacturers, industry experts, retail buyers, hotels, airlines and investors.
Awarded in the disciplines of Product, Packaging, Positioning, Branding & Design, SME, Best of Britain, Best of Middle East, Health & Wellness, Travel, Hospitality, Sustainability and Technology, the Gama Innovation Awards go to the top new launches unearthed each month by Gama’s network of in-country researchers and analysts.
Winners are chosen through an international panel of expert judges based on a shortlist of innovative products.
About Gama
Gama is a global provider of business information and services specializing in consumer goods innovation, international trade and investment.
Powered by a global network of over 300 in-country specialists, buyers and investors across more than 60 countries, we deliver the boots-on-the-ground intelligence and high-value introductions needed to drive business growth.
