Natural Dog Expo has announced the launch of The R’awards, a new event dedicated to celebrating the businesses, products and people shaping the fresh and raw pet food industry.
The inaugural Raw Pet Food Industry Awards will take place from 7.30pm on Saturday 1 May 2027 at voco St John’s Hotel in Solihull, alongside the Natural Dog Expo. The wider event will run on 1 and 2 May, from 9am until 5pm each day.
Natural Dog Expo describes The R’awards as the first awards event dedicated to the raw pet food industry, created to recognise its achievements and increase visibility for those working across the sector.
“These awards are more than recognition! They are a celebration of an industry committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our pets through natural nutrition,” said Caroline Griffith, organiser of the Natural Dog Expo.
The event will recognise manufacturers, retailers, advisers, educators, emerging businesses and advocates working within fresh and raw pet nutrition.
Award categories
The categories announced so far include:
- Raw Retailer of the Year, divided into regional awards
- Raw Retail Store Advisor
- Fresh Lightly-Cooked Brand
- Raw Meaty Bones Supplier
- Raw Complete and Balanced Range
- 80/10/10 Range
- Innovative Product
- Raw Brand of the Year
- Raw Rising Star Brand
- Social Media Influencer of the Year
- Advocate of the Year
- Industry Life-Time Achievement Award
The Innovative Product category will be open to products released within the previous two years and may include treats and broths. Nominations and entries are due to open soon, while information about presenters, tickets, tables and the event partner will follow.
Judging panel announced
An eight-strong judging panel has been appointed, bringing together expertise in veterinary science, nutrition, manufacturing, marketing, communications, compliance, distribution and business.
The judges are:
- Dr Vicki Adams, Chief Executive of the Animal Cancer Trust – industry science and feline nutrition
- Dr Bella O’Connell, The Nutrition Vet – nutrition and manufacturing
- Dr Conor Brady, DOGSFIRST – manufacturing and formulation
- Georgina Bashforth, Leucillin – marketing and guardian education
- Rosie Robinson, WUF Design/Yappily – communications and website functionality
- Daniel Everett, Pet Industry Federation – industry compliance and responsibility for pet welfare
- Clayton Payne, Pet Business Disruptors – distribution and traceability
- Rachel Elnaugh, former Dragons’ Den investor – innovation and business acumen
Natural Dog Expo says its judging criteria included independence from individual brands, a strong connection to the industry and an understanding of fresh pet food.
Find out more about The R’awards
Further information about the categories, judges and opportunities to nominate, vote, attend, partner with the event or sponsor an award can be found on the official Natural Dog Expo website.
Visit The R’awards: UK Raw Pet Food Industry Awards 2027
Join the 2027 Expo waiting list
Those hoping to attend the Natural Dog Expo and The R’awards can join the Expo community waiting list to receive booking information and help secure their place when tickets become available.
The 2027 Natural Dog Expo takes place at voco St John’s Hotel, Solihull, on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 May. The organisers say general booking is due to open in autumn 2026.
Join the Natural Dog Expo community and waiting list
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