PAPA Industry Awards 2026 celebrate the best of the industry.
Michael Eyre receives prestigious Pizza Industry Award as Luca Cusimano is crowned Pizza Chef of the Year 2026.
The outstanding businesses, products and individuals helping to shape Britain's pizza, pasta and Italian food industry have been recognised at the PAPA Industry Awards 2026.
Held on Thursday 5 November at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, the annual awards brought together manufacturers, restaurant operators, retailers, suppliers and industry professionals to celebrate excellence, innovation and achievement across the sector.
Among the evening's highlights was the presentation of the prestigious Pizza Industry Award to Michael Eyre, Product Director and co-founder of Jestic Foodservice Solutions, recognising more than three decades of dedication to the industry, helping operators embrace innovation, raising standards and generously sharing his expertise to support others.
The evening also saw Luca Cusimano of Grano Lab crowned Pizza Chef of the Year 2026, taking the overall title and £1,000 prize following the competition final at Rudy's Pizza Napoletana in Queensway, London.
Luca impressed the judges with The Golden Smoke, a creative combination of roasted pumpkin cream, smoked provola, sweet Gorgonzola, pepperoni and smoked bacon, finished with flaked almonds, crushed amaretti biscuits and fresh sage. His pizza also won the Danish Crown Supertops category.
Other winners across the industry awards included Rudy's Pizza Napoletana, Lina Stores, Papa Johns, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Aldi, Co-op and Crosta Mollica, reflecting the breadth of talent and achievement recognised across restaurant operations, retail, manufacturing and innovation.
Jim Winship, Director of the Pizza Pasta & Italian Food Association (PAPA), said:
"The pizza, pasta and Italian food industry is one of the most vibrant and innovative parts of Britain's food sector, bringing together businesses of every size, from independent restaurants and artisan producers to major manufacturers, retailers and national chains.
"Despite the challenges facing the industry, this year's winners demonstrate the creativity, resilience and determination that continue to drive it forward. Whether through exceptional products, new ideas or outstanding customer experiences, they are setting standards for others to follow.
"We are particularly delighted to recognise Michael Eyre for his extraordinary contribution over so many years, and to congratulate Luca Cusimano on becoming our latest Pizza Chef of the Year. Both exemplify the passion, expertise and commitment that make this industry so special."
Discover all the winners:
