World’s Oldest Brewing Competition Returns: International Brewing & Cider Awards in Manchester, March 3–5, 2026

Believed to possibly be the world’s oldest brewing competition, the International Brewing & Cider Awards, is slated to be held in Manchester from March 3rd to 5th, 2026. The event attracts breweries and cider producers from all over the world, who are judged by industry experts for medals. Renowned for its tradition, history, independence and prestige, the awards continue to represent the benchmark of excellence for beer and cider.

According to a press release from the organizers of the International Brewing & Cider Awards, submissions (for the awards) are open now on their websitehttps://entries.brewingawards.org/  for a cost of £187 (+VAT) per entry.

Its Origin Goes Back to 1886!

Previously known as the Brewing Industry International Awards, the competition dates back to 1886. For the past 140 years, the competition has remained true to its core values of excellence and authority. A credibility unmatched and recognised by the best brewers and cider makers in the world.

Discussing the values of the competition, Ruth Evans MBE, chief executive at BFBI and organiser of the awards said “I feel a great deal of responsibility to be overseeing the organisation of an international beer and cider competition that is 140 years old. The core values of the competition remain true to its heritage, reflecting the passion and dedication of entrants for their beers and ciders.  Our competition judges diligently share the responsibility of choosing not just the best beers and ciders but those with commercial worth.”

A Rare Competition

Organised every two years, the International Brewing & Cider Awards are a rare opportunity for breweries to have their beers judged by their peers, and have rightly been nicknamed the “Oscars of Brewing”.

The excellence of the awards is renowned in the industry and makes it one of the most prestigious accolades in the brewing world.

Ruth Evans MBE added “The International Brewing & Cider Awards are organised by the industry for the industry.  The passion and dedication of the organising team, stewards and judges support the core principles of robust peer review based on excellence and commercial worth.”

About the awards, Lara Lopes, Head Brewer at Round Corner Brewing and 2024’s winner added “Being awarded the Trophy for Keg Ale and multiple Gold Medals at the International Brewing Awards was a tremendous honour. Recognition from such a respected panel of brewing peers is one of the strongest endorsements our beers can receive. This award is a powerful validation of our commitment to quality and serves as trusted assurance for our customers and trade partners alike.”

To facilitate export to the UK, the competition has partnered with FPGB Ltd which will be able to consolidate entries within countries.

The logistics company will ensure that entries arrive on time for the event, and will also endeavour to keep delivery costs to a minimum in consolidating shipments to be sent into the UK.

About International Brewing & Cider Awards

The International Brewing Awards is the longest established brewing competition in the world, having first been held in 1886. Since then, the competition has focussed upon searching out excellence and rewarding it across all styles of commercially brewed beer. The winning breweries are awarded medals and trophies from the world’s most professional tasting panel, composed exclusively of experienced commercial brewers.

Over its 140 year history, the competition has evolved with the global industry and made sure they are relevant and always keep up with the changes in the market.

Core attributes include:

• Organised since 1886, the oldest international beer competition
  
  
• Open to all types of beer
  
  
• Structured into nine beer categories with 36 classes
  
  
• With few classes, medals are difficult to win and therefore every win is that much more prestigious
  
  
• Diversity and innovation as well as tradition are recognised through the alcohol strength categorisation
  
  
• Judged only by professional brewers
  
  
• Technical installation and stewarding are second to none
  
  

First established in 1901, The International Ciders Awards were reintroduced as an international recognition of excellence in cider production in 2013.

An award is a recognition by fellow professional cider makers that a cider is an outstanding commercial example of its style.

The superb technical installation including cider in bottle, can, bag in box, cask and keg ensures integrity of product, dispensed to the judges at the cider maker’s recommended temperature.

All judges are currently practising cider makers from around the world, and our stewards are trained to ensure integrity of pour and dispense to the judges. With 9 categories within 3 trophies there is a place for every cider, with every cider having a chance of winning – even those new or innovative variations on styles.

Keep Up With the International Brewing & Cider Awards

Website: https://www.brewingawards.org/ | Socials: @intbrewingciderawards