Cost of Entry
Cost per entry is based on a per-SKU basis.
1-10
Entries11-20
Entries21-50
Entries50+
Entries1. Definitions
In these Terms & Conditions: “Awards” means the European Private Label Awards (EPLA). “Organiser” means Madison Publications Ltd, 3 Adelaide St, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland. “Entrant” means any retailer, producer, supplier, or company submitting an entry. “Product” means any product submitted to the Awards. “SKU” means a distinct stock keeping unit. “SKU Family” means the same product sold in multiple pack sizes but not flavour variants. “Award Marks” means any EPLA logos, winner or finalist designations, or related branding.
2. Organiser
The European Private Label Awards (“Awards”) are organised by Madison Publications Ltd, 3 Adelaide St, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland (“Organiser”). By submitting an entry, all Entrants are deemed to have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms & Conditions and by any reasonable instructions issued by the Organiser.
3. Eligibility
The Awards are open to grocery retailers and producers of private label products for the grocery retail industry, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, forecourts, discounters, and associated retail formats. Products must be sold and commercially available within the European Union. Entries from grocery retailers are not valid unless the name of the producer(s) is listed. Entries from suppliers are not valid unless the name of the retailer in which the Product is sold is provided. Products sold in more than one retailer must be entered separately for each retailer listing. There is no restriction on the number of entries or categories entered, provided a separate entry form is completed for each Product.
4. Award Categories (Subject to Change)
Ambient Grocery; Beverages (Alcoholic); Beverages (Non-Alcoholic); Breakfast Products; Confectionery; Convenience Foods / Food To Go; Dairy Products; Dessert Products; Free-From Foods; Meal Accompaniments; Meat & Seafood; Non-Food (Household); Non-Food (Personal Care); Snacking Products; Sauces & Condiments; Tea, Coffee & Hot Drinks; Vegetarian & Vegan.
The Organiser reserves the right to amend the categories and/or the judging panel at any time without prior notice.
5. Cross-Category Awards
All eligible Products may be considered, at the discretion of the Organiser, for overall cross-category awards, including Innovative Product of the Year, Packaging Excellence Award, Sustainable Product of the Year, and Taste Excellence Award. These awards are not open for direct entry and are determined as part of the judging process.
6. SKU Policy
Entry is on a per-SKU basis. Where a Product is available in multiple pack sizes, only one SKU needs to be entered. If a Product is selected as a Winner or Finalist, Award Marks may be used across the entire SKU Family, provided the Product formulation and packaging remain materially unchanged. Award Marks may not be used for flavour variants. Flavour variants are considered separate Products and must be entered separately.
7. Entry Fees & Payment
All entries are subject to an entry fee. Payment must be made at the time of submission unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Organiser. All fees are exclusive of VAT, where applicable.
Entry fees are:
1–10 entries: €295 per entry
11–20 entries: €265 per entry
21–50 entries: €215 per entry
50+ entries: €195 per entry
Unless required by law, entry fees are non-refundable. Where payment has been received but an entry form has not been fully or correctly completed, the Organiser reserves the right to withdraw the Product from the judging process without refund.
8. Submission & Deadlines
Entries must be submitted by 15 October 2026. No late entries will be accepted. The Organiser does not accept responsibility for entries lost, damaged, or delayed as a result of computer, network, or system failure. Entry forms must include the name, job title, and company of the person responsible for submitting the entry. All correspondence will be conducted with that person.
9. Product Availability & Authenticity
All Products must have been commercially available in the grocery retail sector at some point during the preceding twelve (12) months. Products must be developed and produced according to standard production procedures and must not differ in any material way from Products sold to the public.
10. Samples, Delivery & Food Safety
Entrants are responsible for the safe, timely delivery of all samples in a condition fit and safe for judging. Entrants must clearly indicate any refrigeration, freezing, or chilling requirements and ensure appropriate temperature control during transport. Food Products must carry a valid use-by date or be accompanied by clear use-by guidance. The Organiser cannot accept responsibility for samples that are lost, late, damaged, mislaid, or rendered unsafe due to delivery or packaging failures. No samples will be returned during or after the judging process.
11. Judging Process
Judging is led by the Organiser’s in-house editorial team, supported by a panel of experts. Products are assessed on Innovation, Presentation, and Taste. All food Products may be prepared according to on-pack instructions. The Organiser reserves the right to reject any entry deemed inappropriate or unsuitable. The decisions of the judging panel and Organiser are final and binding.
12. Awards, Recognition & Publicity
Winners and Finalists may publicise their achievement for two (2) years, provided the award year is stated and the Product remains unchanged. Entrants may not announce Awards results prior to official publication or authorisation.
13. Use of Award Marks
Award Marks must be used accurately and in accordance with Organiser guidelines. The Organiser reserves the right to withdraw award status where misuse occurs.
14. Marketing & Use of Submitted Materials
Supporting materials submitted with entries may be used by the Organiser for Awards administration, editorial, publicity, and marketing purposes. The Organiser may contact Entrants in connection with Awards-related communications.
15. Liability, Compliance & Indemnity
The Organiser is not responsible for any loss, damage, injury, illness, adverse reaction, or other harm arising from Products. For the avoidance of doubt, the Organiser accepts no responsibility for illness, injury, or adverse reaction suffered by judges or staff during handling or tasting. Awards do not constitute endorsement, certification, or guarantee. Entrants retain full responsibility for Products and agree to indemnify the Organiser. Any liability is limited to entry fees paid. The Organiser is not responsible for delays caused by events beyond its reasonable control. This section survives the conclusion of the Awards.
16. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by the laws of the Republic of Ireland. Irish courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction.
17. Severability
If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
