SmartBrief FoodService

The Innovation Awards for Foodservice will serve to elevate and honor the products and solutions that help foodservice operators and professionals work smarter, safer, and more sustainably.

Now more than ever, SmartBrief and The National Restaurant Association believe it is important to recognize the great achievements and innovations within the foodservice industry. From sustainability solutions to delivery management systems and everything in between, the industry has shown adaptability and resilience in the face of the most challenging times it has seen.

As a nominee and award winner, you’ll increase your visibility in the marketplace through exposure within Restaurant SmartBrief, reaching over 72,000 restaurant professionals, and with a panel of judges including SmartBrief editors and executives from well-known organizations and brands that represent the foodservice industry.

Nominating a product is easy. No shipping of products or setting up guest user accounts. Just complete a simple form that includes your product's name, image and a brief description.
Winning an award signifies that your product has, or will have, an incredible impact on the restaurant and foodservice industry. Our expert panel of judges are looking for the best of the best.
Winners will be featured in Restaurant SmartBrief reaching 72,000 foodservice professionals who will see your product showcased for its contribution to the industry.

Winning an award is a fantastic accomplishment for any organization, and the benefits go far beyond just a trophy!

The National Restaurant Association is the largest foodservice trade association in the world. It represents and advocates on behalf of more than 500,000 restaurant businesses, from regional chains to small franchise owners to beloved independents. Their mission is to serve the restaurant industry and impact its success, they: strengthen operations, mitigate risk and develop talent; advance and protect business vitality through national, state and local advocacy; and drive knowledge and collaboration.

Get all of your questions answered about the National Restaurant Association here.

SmartBrief is the leading digital media publisher of targeted business news and information by industry. By combining technology and editorial expertise, SmartBrief delivers the most relevant industry news – curated daily from thousands of sources – in partnership with leading trade associations, professional societies, nonprofits and corporations to nearly 6 million senior executives, thought leaders and industry professionals.

As a leader in content curation, SmartBrief has witnessed a shift across industries which has led to advances in innovation in 2020. In 2021 and beyond, SmartBrief is determined to recognize the companies shaping the way that we do business, showcasing their products to our avid B2B readership. Through specific industry product awards, we also look at these awards as a way to create a curated list of solutions that can help our readers.

What are the SmartBrief Innovation Awards for Foodservice?
SmartBrief and The National Restaurant Association believe it is important now more than ever to recognize the great achievements and innovation within the restaurant industry from sustainability solutions to delivery management systems.

The Innovation Awards for Foodservice will serve to elevate and honor the products and solutions that help foodservice operators and professionals work smarter, safer, and more sustainably. Winners are selected by a panel of judges comprised of SmartBrief editors and executives of well-known organizations and brands based on the following criteria:

Uniqueness in market
Ability to solve a problem
Price value
Suitability for use

Who can enter?

Any organization whose product is designed to help food establishments work smarter, safer, and more sustainably.

If your company has developed a new innovative product or service, or updated an existing product, entering for the awards is a great way to stand out!

When are entries due?

The deadline has been extended to March 11 2021. We reserve the right to consider late applicants as circumstances dictate.

How much does it cost to enter?

$595

May I enter more than one product?

Yes. There is no limit to the number of products you may nominate. Each product requires a nomination form and entry fee(s).

How are the products evaluated?

A panel of judges and editors will evaluate each product based on your nomination form consisting of the following:

Product Description - 150 words or less
How is this product unique in the market? (150 words max)
How is this product being used? ( 200 words max)
What specific problem does this product solve? (200 words max)

You will also have an opportunity to share a product landing page, product imagery and 2 additional assets (testimonials, pdfs or images)

Is my information confidential?

Yes. It will not be published prior to the winners announcement or shared with anyone beyond the judges or editors.

How do I pay?

Click here to nominate a product and pay by credit card.

When will winners be announced?

The recipients will be announced by SmartBrief by March 2021

What do I get if I win?

Nominees: All award entrants will receive a nominee logo to promote their nomination and all nominees will be featured in the award guide distributed through SmartBrief Originals and newsletter placements in Restaurant SmartBrief and Restaurant Innovation SmartBrief.

Winners: Along with the above, winners will receive an award logo and social graphics to promote their win to relevant SmartBrief audiences and the opportunity to use their winning logo in additional digital and print advertising.

Recognizing Innovation in
Foodservice

Key Dates

Why you should enter

ABout The national restaurant association

ABout SmartBrief

Frequently Asked Questions

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