Bang in Some Beans campaign award winners

Keen Bean Award: Subway

For the pledger that matched ambition with action and delivered the biggest change in bean sales in 2026

Subway's Spudway jacket potatoes and 5 Bean Chilli campaign helped drive a whopping 70% increase in bean sales. By putting choice, taste, fibre, and protein front and centre, Subway made adding beans an easy decision.

Mandeep Rana-Burke, EMEA Strategic Quality and Nutrition Lead at Subway, said: "We're proud to be recognised by The Food Foundation for our contribution to the Bang in some Beans campaign.

"Subway is all about choice, so we made beans an easy one. From baked beans on our Spuds to the 5 Bean Chilli and Beef Chilli containing beans, guests can add more beans to their meal, their way. They're a brilliant source of fibre and protein, and it's great to see so many choosing them."

Most Valuable Bean Award (MVB): Sara Occhipinti, Bidfood

For an individual going the extra mile to champion beans within their business and beyond 

Sara has been a tireless advocate for the campaign at Bidfood. She has helped customers sign up and inspired chefs and colleagues through bean dishes and recipes at staff conferences. Her enthusiasm has helped turn conversations into action.

Sara said: "I'm absolutely delighted to receive the Most Valuable Bean Award! I've genuinely loved championing Bang In Some Beans and seeing the enthusiasm for the campaign grow. 

"It's such a simple idea that can make a real difference by getting more beans and pulses onto our plates. Although, as someone who genuinely loves beans, I might be slightly biased! And let's just say my bean obsession isn't stopping here. We've got something cooking that I'm very excited to share soon... watch this space."

Most Valuable Bean Award (MVB): Cate Hickey, Co-op

For an individual going the extra mile to champion beans within their business and beyond

Our other Most Valuable Bean has helped put beans firmly on the agenda at Co-op. Cate has brought colleagues together to champion beans through new products, trials of in-store promotions, and a video that reached 19,000 customers with reasons to bang in some beans.

Cate said: "Leading Co-op's campaigning to promote and champion beans has been a privilege. At Co-op, making healthier and more sustainable choices easier for our customers and members is important to us so we're thrilled to be recognised by The Food Foundation for the work we're doing to help more people discover the benefits of beans.

"I'm personally really motivated to make beans more desirable to everyone as they are not only an affordable, nutritious option, but they are delicious too."

Bean Together Award: The Powys/Birmingham Supply Chain Pilot with the Holiday Activities and Food Programme 

For an initiative that brought beans to local communities in unique and inspiring ways

This project connects small growers in Powys with Birmingham's Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF). Participating clubs can access regionally and sustainably grown produce, including beans and peas, while children from low-income families have more opportunities to try and enjoy it. It's a powerful example of what can happen when growers, communities, and public services work together.

Sarah Newton, Public Health Service Lead (Food System) at Birmingham City Council, said: "It's fantastic to see our work recognised. It has been a real collaborative effort, with lots of different people and organisations working towards the same aim of making healthy and sustainable food more accessible.

"A key part of our approach has been increasing supply and demand at the same time, creating demand for seasonal, nutritious food, including beans and pulses, while rebuilding supply chains between Birmingham and smaller farms in Powys.

"Through HAF, children are getting the opportunity to try and enjoy these foods too. We're testing, learning and adapting as we go, using what we learn to build a stronger and more resilient food system for the future."

Magic Bean Award: Bold Bean Co 

A lifetime achievement award, but for beans

From two Sunday Times bestselling cookbooks to a London Underground campaign and a Soho Beanery pop-up, Bold Bean Co has found brilliant ways to make people bean obsessed.

The team has championed British-grown pulses, worked with supermarkets to grow the bean category, and built a community so devoted that fans make artwork inspired by its jars.

Beth Latham, Head of Category and Strategic Projects at Bold Bean Co, said: "What I love about Bang In Some Beans is how many people it brings together. Brands, retailers, food service, restaurants - everyone has a part to play if we're going to genuinely change how much the UK eats beans.

"This isn't about one single brand trying to do better. It's about all of us pulling in the same direction, and that's where real momentum comes from and what makes it so inspiring. Beans tick every box: they're delicious, affordable, nutritious and so versatile. Getting the UK eating more of them is a win win for both people and planet."

Where Have You Bean All My Life Award: Wildly Tasty's Creamy Veggie Korma 

For dishes and products that make you wonder why you weren't already eating it. There have been so many brilliant bean innovations this year and 11 entered our awards, with guests voting for their favourite.

You haven't bean anything yet!

Our ambition is to double UK bean consumption by 2028. This first year has shown what we can achieve together, and as our awards and critically acclaimed Bang in Some Beans podcast host Melissa Hemsley put it: "These awards are just the beginning: a celebration of the brilliant things happening with beans, and an invitation to many more to get involved.

"I want more people to discover just how tasty beans are, so we can really put them at the heart of British food."

• Bang in Some Beans is led by The Food Foundation and Veg Power and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.