Nominees for the Horecava Awards 2026 announced

These are the most notable innovations

The time has come: the nominees for the Horecava Awards 2026 have been announced! This 25th edition once again puts groundbreaking solutions, smart improvements and sustainable ideas in the spotlight. All innovations have one thing in common: they help the hospitality industry move forward. Perhaps the innovation that will take your hospitality business further is on this list.

The winners will be announced during the official opening of Horecava 2026, the moment when the entire hospitality sector comes together.

Horecava Innovation Award 2026: innovations that help your business move forward

The Horecava Innovation Award recognises solutions that make daily work in the hospitality industry smarter, more efficient, or more welcoming. From operational innovations to new forms of guest experience. These are this year's contenders:

1. Bonnie – AI guest contact platform
   Bonnie automates phone calls, reservations and frequently asked questions, so restaurants don't miss out on revenue and teams can focus on guests. The platform speaks all languages, connects with reservation systems and supports the entire guest journey before and after the visit.
2. Joppah Cassave Limited – Joppah Bites
   Joppah Bites introduces cassava as a new snack category: crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside and available in halal, vegan and salted cod varieties. Suitable for deep-frying and air-frying, made in short supply chains and linked to social impact projects.
3. Max&Bien – Fresh G.O.A.T. Pearls
   Plant-based cheese pearls made from rice milk, coated with Mediterranean herbs. Soft, fresh and ideal for salads or tapas. Max&Bien offers high-quality dairy-free alternatives with the same taste and versatility as traditional cheese, but more sustainable and allergen-free.
4. Tessu Nu-Air – TurboSwing®
   TurboSwing® is a mechanical grease separator that stops contamination at the source. It keeps air ducts clean, reduces energy consumption, improves air quality and increases fire safety. An efficient and sustainable solution for professional kitchens.

Horecava Sustainability Award 2026: sustainable impact that matters

The Horecava Sustainability Award recognises innovations that demonstrate that sustainability and strong business operations go hand in hand. From circular solutions to energy savings, these nominees prove that the hospitality industry is ready for the future:

1. Bakery Carl Siegert since 1891 B.V. – Vacuum-cooled sustainable bread
   Vacuum cooling allows bread to be baked for less time and remains fresh and crispy after thawing, without a baking oven and therefore without additional energy consumption. This innovative technique ensures shorter preparation times, less waste and consistent quality.
2. PAKT – PAKT Pooling System
   PAKT offers a universal crate for reusable glass bottles. Empty bottles are returned unsorted and are washed centrally and reused. The system reduces glass and cardboard waste, lowers CO₂ emissions and makes the chain more efficient for the hospitality industry and producers.
3. SEA Water – Locally filtered seawater
   SEA Water filters local seawater into mineral-rich drinking water, entirely powered by solar energy. It is bottled in reusable glass bottles, which drastically reduces CO₂ emissions and waste and creates a sustainable, local water source without compromising on quality.
4. Walraven Saxophone – Torres Magnetic Reusable
   ’The world's first reusable premium wine bottle, refillable up to 50 times. The bottle significantly reduces CO₂ emissions, water consumption and packaging waste, while maintaining quality and experience. A major step towards a circular wine chain.

Horecava Public Award 2026: your vote makes the difference

Just like last year, nominees can win an additional prize: the Horecava Public Award. Who will walk away with this prize is decided by the public, by you. Which innovation do you think made the biggest impression? Cast your vote for your favourite via the online voting module.

Don't miss it!

Curious to see who will win? Or would you like to see, taste or test the innovations for yourself? Then visit Horecava 2026 and be inspired by the most progressive ideas in the industry. Together, we are building a sector that is becoming even smarter, more sustainable and more hospitable! Will we see you in January?