The Convenience Awards 2026 takes place on 11 March at the Rum Warehouse at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool. As well as recognising and celebrating the best of the convenience community, it’s also an opportunity to rub shoulders with the very best of the sector.
Powered by Convenience Store, Lumina Intelligence and The Grocer, this year’s awards can’t happen without the generosity of the sponsors, and we took some time to ask why they’re involved and the importance of supporting the convenience sector.
Arla Protein is proud to be sponsoring the convenience awards in 2026. With dairy protein shoppers overindexing in convenience channels, and the ‘grab & go’ nature of our products like yogurt pouches, milkshakes, and pots with spoons being ideal for on the move shoppers, this year we want to work even more closely with our convenience partners to grow their sales by offering their shoppers a great range of tasty, nutritious products for all occasions.
The UK convenience sector is unique compared to other markets – it’s made up of so many independent stores, chains, and individuals across the country putting in dedication and passion to make the magic happen – so it’s important to us to recognise this, and celebrate the innovation and ideas that are creating the future of convenience.
My favourite part of a face to face event is the unexpected conversations that occur – the chance to meet wonderful new people, and both leaving having shared ideas and learned more about eachother’s world – which is ultimately what leads to progress and innovation!
Amy Punchard, Brand Manager Beverages, Arla Foods
Booker is delighted to once again be sponsoring the Convenience Awards 2026 – an celebration that brings together the very best retailers and operators across the convenience market. As the UK’s largest food and drink wholesaler, we are proud to support thousands of independent retailers nationwide, including those operating under our symbol brands of Premier, Londis, Budgens and Family Shopper. Sponsoring the ‘Independent Convenience Store of the Year’ category is particularly important to us, as it celebrates the dedication, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of independent retailers who work tirelessly to serve their local communities every day.
The convenience sector plays a vital role in communities across the UK, providing not only essential products but also local jobs and a strong sense of community connection. Events like the Convenience Awards are an important opportunity to recognise the innovation, hard work and commitment that retailers demonstrate every day. Celebrating these achievements helps shine a spotlight on best practice across the sector and reinforces the crucial role independent convenience stores play in meeting the needs of their customers.
One of the best parts of a face-to-face event is the opportunity to connect with retailers and industry partners in person. It’s a chance to hear their stories, celebrate their successes and strengthen relationships across the convenience sector. Bringing everyone together in one room to recognise outstanding achievements creates a fantastic atmosphere and reminds us why the industry is so special.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) is proud to sponsor the Convenience Awards 2026 to celebrate and recognise the hard work, passion and dedication of retailers across the convenience sector. These retailers play a vital role in their local communities, providing essential products and services, and we’re committed to championing the people who keep the sector thriving.
Acknowledging the sector through events like the Convenience Awards is important because it shines a light on the significant economic and social value convenience retailers bring to their communities. Recognition helps build pride, raises awareness of the sector’s contribution, and encourages continued innovation and excellence. It also strengthens the partnership between brands, retailers and suppliers by celebrating shared success.
Face-to-face events offer a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with retailers, suppliers and industry partners. Being in the same room allows for genuine conversations, idea‑sharing and collaboration in a way that simply can’t be replicated virtually. Seeing the energy, passion and creativity of the sector firsthand is always a highlight — and often sparks new partnerships and opportunities.
Kate Abbotson, Senior Manager External Trade Communication, CCEP
Visit Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I is committed to supporting all areas of the sector, and this includes celebrating those going above and beyond. This year’s Convenience Awards will be a fantastic evening to celebrate not only award-winning retailers and emerging industry disruptors, but everyone who works so hard to strive for excellence in retail.
Innovation driving success is a huge part of what we stand for at Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I. The convenience sector is well aligned to this, continuously adapting and striving for success in what is often a challenging environment – it is vital we recognise this.
The Convenience Awards is a highlight of the year for us, it provides a great opportunity to talk directly to retailers and continue to broaden our understanding of the challenges being faced day-to-day, enabling knowledge sharing, collaboration and the chance to strengthen relationships.
We at Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I are very much looking forward to catching up and celebrating with everyone on the night!
Michael Doxey, Sales Controller, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I
Visit Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I
At Unisnacks, the convenience channel is central to our business and our future growth. We have long-standing relationships with independent retailers, and convenience operators across the UK, and we see sponsorship of the Convenience Awards 2026 as a clear statement of our commitment to the sector. It’s an opportunity to support the retailers who drive performance at store level, while reinforcing Unisnacks’ role as a reliable, long-term partner to the convenience channel.
The convenience sector operates in a highly dynamic and demanding environment, requiring constant adaptability, investment and resilience. From Unisnacks’ perspective, recognising excellence through events like the Convenience Awards is essential to acknowledging the leadership, operational discipline and customer focus that underpin successful convenience retailing. Formal recognition not only celebrates achievement, but also encourages higher standards, innovation and sustainable growth across the sector.
Face-to-face events provide Unisnacks with the opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers and industry leaders in a focused, high-quality environment. They enable open, meaningful conversations, strengthen strategic relationships and offer valuable insight into the challenges and priorities shaping the sector. These interactions are critical to building trust, alignment and long-term partnerships.
Hyder Haniffa, CEO Unisnacks & Reza Samsudeen, Non-Executive Director, Unisnacks
You can now secure your tickets to the Convenience Awards 2026!
Join us on 11 March in Liverpool to celebrate the entire convenience community.
See this year’s finalists and book your seat here.
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