The culinary world and the art of capturing its essence recently celebrated the announcement of the 2025 World Food Photography Awards. This prestigious competition, sponsored by Bimi®, recognized outstanding talent from across the globe, highlighting the diverse ways food connects people and cultures. The winning photographs go beyond mere depiction, offering insightful narratives about tradition, community, and the simple joys found in shared meals.
The top honor went to photographer Xiaoling Li for her poignant image from Sichuan Province. Her photograph, depicting five elderly women sharing snacks and laughter, beautifully encapsulates how food serves as a catalyst for connection and camaraderie. This compelling image rose above nearly 10,000 submissions from photographers spanning 70 countries, truly embodying the spirit of human togetherness that food fosters. The judging panel praised its composition and the palpable joy it conveyed.
Beyond the overall champion, the awards acknowledged excellence across numerous categories, including food styling, product photography, and innovations in mobile photography. Each winning image underscores the vast creative possibilities within food photography, showcasing the dedication and artistic vision of those who master this specialized craft. These skilled photographers transform everyday sustenance into compelling visual stories.
Ultimately, these awards illuminate the profound impact of photography in narrating global food stories. As Dave Samuels, brand director for Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini, noted, food remains central to human existence, regardless of societal shifts. The remarkable images honored in this competition serve as powerful reminders of food’s fundamental role in communities, fostering connections through cultivation, preparation, consumption, celebration, and even survival.
“The Elderly Having Delicious Food” by Xiaoling Li (China). Overall Winner and Winner, Food for the Family supported by the Felix Project. “In an early spring afternoon in Shuangliu Ancient Town, Sichuan Province, China, five elderly ladies in their eighties sit together. Wearing colorful jackets and wool hats, they happily eat the famous Sichuan snack ‘Spring rolls’. A wrap of thin homemade dough, filled with cucumber, carrot, and shredded scallions, drizzled with green mustard, Sichuan pepper, red oil, sweet sauce, and sprinkled with sesame seeds. They are “setting up a Dragon Gate formation” – an expression used in China to refer to neighbourhood friends coming together to chat, gossip, and share stories. Food makes these people happy; they enjoy a beautiful and joyful life.”“Window in the Vineyard” by Alessandro Anglisani (Italy). Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Year – Places.“This image, taken in July 2024, captures a vineyard in Oltrepò Pavese, a historical region in the province of Pavia in Lombardy, Italy. The trees on the road act as a backdrop to emphasise the scene in its natural and, at the same time, anthropized beauty.”“Flour Swirl” by Dorien Paymans (Netherlands). Winner, Cream of the Crop.“Part of the series ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ where I captured the process of baking sourdough bread while incorporating the symbolism of the Japanese Ensō sign (imperfect circle). Preparing food and photography are both mindful activities where calmness and creativity exist in the moment of creation. This makes the combination of both so magical.”“Hogging the Limelight” by Susan Lang (UK). Winner, Food in the Field.“A litter of free range Large Black piglets. The Large Black is a rare breed and is Britain’s only all black pig. Adults weigh up to 350kg and have distinctive floppy ears that fall over their eyes, making them a challenge to photograph! They will eat anything, including my flash diffuser.”
“La Matassa. A Real Work of Craftsmanship” by Diego Marinelli (Italy). The Philip Harben Award for Food in Action supported by International Salon Culinaire.“Fresh pasta is a symbol that represents the cultural richness of the Italian territory. An image of its processing becomes a means to telling history, traditions and centuries-old passions. Matassa pasta is made in Irpinia in southern Italy with a truly exceptional technique.”“Buddhist Offerings” by Ryan Kost (USA). Winner, The Bimi® Prize.“Monks at a temple in Angkor Wat, Cambodia prepare traditional Buddhist offerings. This practice is deeply symbolic in Buddhism, often representing celebration, gratitude, respect and devotion to the Buddha, and the teaching and monastic community. The intricate arrangement of fruits and flowers emphasises mindfulness and respect.”“Sunshine Gin” by Alessandra Bartoloni (Italy). Winner, World of Drinks.“Sun, ice and a gin tonic. Condensation drips, the table’s a mess, and the afternoon heat is winning the battle. But who cares? It’s cold, it’s strong and it’s exactly what this day needed. Cheers to the simple pleasures!”“Laundry Day” by Pieter D’Hoop (Belgium). MPB Award for Innovation.“Sometimes I have some weird ideas that randomly come to my mind. I had an idea of putting an octopus inside a washing machine or tumble dryer. This is one of the results.”
“Squash Blossom” by Linda Repasky (USA). Winner, On the Phone in support of Action Against Hunger.“In the field, squash blossoms and their curly tendrils have an undeniable charm.”“Ramadan Special Parantha Halwa” by Debdatta Chakraborty (India). Winner, Street Food.“During the Ramadan months, Kolkata turns into a foodie’s paradise. Just after noon, huge ovens are lit and giant paranthas are prepared for the iftar. Not only Muslims, but people from all communities, throng around the food stalls, making it a culinary haven.”“Family” by Maja Kowalczyk (Poland). Winner, Jamie Oliver Youth Prize 12 and under.“Since we moved into the house, my parents have started a garden with vegetables and fruit. I like to pull carrots the most, because you never know what size and shape is hiding underground. It’s always a surprise!”“Pavlova’s Arabesque” by Audrey Laferrière (Canada). Tiptree Cake Award.
“Early Morning Puris, Delhi, India” by Indigo Larmour (Ireland). Winner, Jamie Oliver Youth Prize 13 -17. “Pooris are a staple breakfast dish in the winding alleyways of Old Delhi. Frequently cooked in huge vats of boiling oil on street corners and served with chole, a chickpea dish.”“Delfina, A Pasta Granny” by Lizzie Mayson (UK). Winner, Claire Aho Award for Women Photographers.“This is Delfina, I took her portrait as part of a bigger project documenting pasta grannies in Italy. Here, we are in the region of Lazio. On the bed is an angel hair type of pasta called Fieno di Canepina. It is technically very hard to make: Delfina rolls the pasta out, flicks a huge piece the size of the table out like a bed sheet, folds it concertina style, then slices it up finely. The best part is that she makes this huge amount then delivers it to the local church where they cook it up and feed homeless people.”“Find Your Way To Me” by Costas Millas (UK). Winner, Hotel Art Group Food Stylist Award.“Part of a wider food story concept titled Spaghetti. Exploring how ingredients could be styled in playful and innovative ways – a spaghetti strand maze guarding a delicious meatball at its center. Can you find your way to it?”
CEO-founder of Visualflood. A Brazilian fine art photographer, among other things, who loves visual arts, nature, science, and innovative technologies.
