Participate Understand Guidelines
Navigating Our Guidelines
Seamless Instructions for Your Journey
In this section, we provide a concise overview of the essential guidelines that shape our work. These principles are mapped along each step of our process to ensure consistency, compliance, and seamless execution. Understanding these guidelines will help you navigate expectations and align your actions with our standards.
Summarised Guidelines
1. How To Participate
1.1 Step-by-Step Process:
- Register your product at www.worldtasteaward.com
- Confirm your product details
- Ship your samples
- Product evaluation
- Receive your results
- Showcase your Success
1.2 Before registering your product
- One Entry per Variation: Each entry must represent a specific variation of a product. Separate entries are required for different flavors, tastes, or chemical compositions.
- Packaging & Sizes: If the product is chemically and taste-wise identical but available in different packaging formats or sizes, it only needs to be entered once.
- No Duplicate Entries by Different Parties: The same product cannot be entered by different individuals or organizations.
- Matching Commercial Products: Products entered must be identical in sensory qualities and ingredients to the ones available commercially.
- Unlimited Entries: Companies are free to enter as many products as they wish.
- Non-Competitive Award: This award offers unique recognition without competing against other entries.
1.3 Eligibility
The World Taste Awards welcomes all products, ensuring equal opportunity for recognition.
- Open to All: Every product, from local artisans to global brands, is welcomed and evaluated based solely on its own merits.
- Inclusive & Fair: There’s no competition—just celebration. Products scoring 60% or higher receive recognition, highlighting the diversity and excellence of every entry.
- Equal Access for All: Regardless of business size, every participant gets a chance to showcase their culinary excellence.
- Showcase Your Taste: If it’s delicious, it’s welcome! No matter where you’re from, let your flavors shine on the global stage.
1.4 Register your product(s)
- Contact Information: Provide accurate contact details, including your name and email, for communication.
- Company Details: Confirm all billing information, including the company name and address.
- Producer Consent: If you are not the product's producer, ensure you have consent from the manufacturer to enter the product.
- Rules Agreement: By submitting your entry, you agree to comply with all WTA rules and licensing terms.
- Information Accuracy: Ensure all information provided is clear and accurate to facilitate smooth communication and billing.
- Email Accessibility: Stay responsive to emails throughout the process to receive updates and notifications.
- Safe Sender List: Add "worldtasteaward.com" to your email's safe sender list to avoid missing important communications.
1.5 What’s Included with Every Entry?
Sensory analysis & Feedback
Elevate your product with our comprehensive Sensory analysis pack, featuring
- Professional sensory analysis
- Sensory analysis report for constructive feedback
- Multi-entry registration
- On-going assistance
Award Artwork & Media Kit
- Digital certificate of achievement
- 3-year license for award artwork
- Product presentation in our directory
- Optional printed stickers for packaging
- Digital media support for promotion
Product Development & Enhancement Services
Our French Sensory Collective specializes in product development and enhancement for the food and hospitality industry, offering:
- Flavor profiling
- Ingredient sourcing
- Recipe formulation
- Tailored consulting services
- We provide the expertise you need to achieve exceptional results and grow your brand effectively.
2. Pricing & Payments
2.1 Pricing
Our pricing is designed to offer value at every step:
- Sensory Analysis & Feedback available at
- $390 AUD for beverage products
- $490 AUD for food products.
- Award Artwork & Media Kit is automatically included with qualifying entries at no additional cost, providing essential promotional tools.
- Product Development & Enhancement Services, pricing is customized—contact us to receive a tailored quote that fits your needs.
2.2 Volume Discounts
The More, The Merrier: These volume discounts are automatically applied when you register multiple products:
- 2 to 3 products: 5%OFF discount
- 4 to 6 products: 10%OFF discount
- 7 to 9 products: 15%OFF discount
- 10 and more: Contact Us for tailored quote
2.3 Secured payment
- Currency: Prices are listed in Australian Dollars (AUD).
- Payment Gateway: Payments are processed via Stripe, supporting major credit cards and over 135 currencies worldwide.
- Invoicing: You will receive a confirmation email with your invoice upon payment.
- Payment Assistance: For any payment issues, contact hello@worldtasteaward.com for support.
2.4 Taxes
- Pricing Excluding GST: Please note that all prices listed in our pricing plan are exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST).
- Goods & Services Tax: Only Australian customers will be subject to GST. Participants from other countries will benefit from GST-free pricing.
2.5 Withdrawals and Refunds
Please keep the following in mind:
- Cooling-off Period: Participants have a 10-business-day cooling-off period from the date of submission to withdraw their entry. A full refund will be provided, minus a 10% administration fee.
- After the Cooling-off Period: No refunds will be granted for withdrawn or disqualified entries after the cooling-off period has expired.
2.6 Disqualification
- Payment Requirement: Participants must clear any outstanding balance with WTA to qualify for entry. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
- Misrepresentation: Any misrepresentation of product information will result in disqualification.
- Non-compliance with Entry Requirements: Products that fail to meet the entry requirements may be disqualified.
- Compliance with Judging Process: Failure to comply with the judging process or rules will result in disqualification.
- Fairness and Impartiality: WTA is committed to fairness; any attempt to influence judges will result in disqualification.
- WTA’s Discretion: WTA reserves the right to accept or refuse entries at its discretion.
- Intellectual Property Rights: Entries must not infringe upon any third-party intellectual property rights.
- Language and Content Guidelines: Entries must adhere to the designated languages and remain free of offensive or inappropriate content.
- WTA’s Authority for Changes: WTA reserves the right to modify deadlines, rule entries as ineligible, or adjust awards ceremony details as needed.
3. Product Confirmation
3.1 Product details form
- Individual Form: After registering your product, you'll receive a confirmation email with a unique link to complete your product details online.
- Resume Later Option: Complete the form at your own pace with the option to save your progress.
- Comprehensive Information: Provide key product details to help us understand your product and promote it effectively.
- Marketing Materials: Upload pictures and files to showcase your product on our website and social media platforms.
- Submission Reminders: Receive weekly email reminders if any product details are pending.
- Substitutions: You can request product substitutions before the entry deadline by contacting us directly.
3.2 Form content
- Product Information: Enter essential details about your product, including its variations, flavors, or any chemical differences.
- Packaging Information: Specify the different packaging formats or sizes for products that are identical in sensory and taste qualities.
- Storage: Briefly outline the recommended storage conditions for your product.
- Marketing Materials: Upload relevant marketing materials associated with your product.
- Accuracy and Completeness: We encourage participants to double-check all details for accuracy before submission.
3.3 Product image guidelines
For optimal visual representation, please adhere to the following specifications when uploading product images:
- Positioning: Ensure the product is centered in a square image.
- Background: Use a white or transparent background to effectively highlight the product.
- Product Representation: The showcased product in the photo should be the exact one entered for evaluation.
- Focus: The photo should focus solely on the product without additional embellishments, accompanying items, or text.
- Branding: Avoid displaying other company or product logos in the photo.
- Resolution: For the best quality, we recommend a resolution of 1080 x 1080 pixels or higher
Remember that including high-quality images can significantly enhance the visibility and promotion of your product, offering potential customers a vivid and compelling preview of what you have to offer.
3.4 From Every Corner, Every Flavor
We celebrate diversity and flavor in every bite. Our doors are open to all, from the cozy kitchens of small artisans to the bustling factories of established brands. No matter where you're from or what you create, if your product tantalizes taste buds, it has a place here. Because taste matters above all else. Join us in savoring the richness of culinary diversity.
3.5 Product Categories
Please note that this list is non-exhaustive, and there's no competition. Every product will be analyzed on its own merits; here, everyone can win.
Food Segments:
- Bakery & Breakfast
- Cheese Selection
- Dairy Essential
- Meat & Charcuterie
- Fish & Seafood
- Snack & Confectionery
- Pantry Staple
- Frozen Delight
- Plant-Based
- Ready Meal
- Baby & Toddler
- Chocolate Treat
Beverage Segments:
- Beer & Cider
- Wine & Sparkling
- Spirit & Liquor
- Alcopop & RTD
- Soft Beverage
- Coffee Collection
- Tea & Herbal Brew
4. Sampling & Delivery
4.1 Shipping guidelines
- Cost Responsibility: Participants are responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping fees, import duties, and customs charges.
- Shipping Method: Shipments must be DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), with the sender covering any duties or taxes.
- Special Arrangements: Consult your shipping provider for specific requirements.
- Custom Compliance: Follow customs procedures and ensure all regulations, documentation, and declarations are met.
- Custom Documentation: Provide clear instructions on the necessary customs documents, including commercial invoices. For international shipments, include a proforma invoice marking the goods value as nil.
- Accurate Information: Complete customs documentation accurately to avoid delays.
- Package Marking: Mark each package and waybill as "NOT FOR RESALE. SAMPLES ONLY."
- Timely Delivery: Ship alcoholic samples well in advance to ensure timely customs clearance, prior to other samples.
- Sample Reception Expenses: Entrants bear the costs during customs clearance; the WTA is not responsible for these expenses.
- Packaging Materials: Shipping materials will not be returned.
- Sample Return Policy: Received samples will not be returned, and late or canceled entries will also not be returned.
4.2 Packaging requirements:
- Labeling: Securely label samples with the manufacturer's name, commercial product name, and specific variant.
- Cold Chain: Use hygienic and adequate packaging to maintain the cold chain if required.
- Multiple Boxes: Clearly indicate the number of boxes if sending multiple packages.
- Damage Control: Use precautions, like bubble wrap, to prevent damage during transit.
4.3 Tasting Locations
Participants can choose their preferred tasting location during the registration process. We currently offer two locations:
- France
- Melbourne
4.4 Sample Guidelines
- General: All food entries must be presented in a minimum of four separate containers, packaging, or bags, with a combined weight of at least 1 kg or 1 liter.
- Exceptions:
- Tea Entries: Minimum of four containers, packaging, or bags, with a combined weight of 400 g.
- Coffee Entries: Minimum of 40 pods.
- Spices: Minimum of four separate containers, with a combined weight of 200 g.
- Ready Meal Entries: Individually packaged, presented in a minimum of eight servings.
- Spirits: A minimum of two bottles for spirit entries.
4.5 Sample shipping
- Delivery Slip: Print and include the delivery slip provided in your parcel.
- Parcel Tracking: Choose a shipping method that includes tracking for transparency.
- Notify Us: After shipping, please inform us by filling the shipping confirmation form.
- Timely Delivery: Ensure samples arrive at the designated location before the deadline to avoid disqualification
4.6 Sample delivery
- Address: To be confirmed later via email.
- Notification: We will send an email confirmation once your samples are received.
4.7 Sample eligibility and criteria
- Sample Validity: Only samples within their best before/use by dates will be judged.
- Disqualification: Damaged or spoiled samples will be disqualified, though resilient samples (like canned goods with minor dents) may still be considered.
- Compliance with Regulations: Products must adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards to avoid disqualification.
- Product Safety: All entries must meet relevant safety standards; unsafe products will be disqualified.
- Cold Chain Compliance: Temperature will be checked upon delivery. Products with broken cold chains will not be accepted and will be withdrawn if a new delivery cannot be arranged to ensure safety for our jury.
- Packaging and Labeling Compliance: Entries must comply with legal and industry requirements for packaging and labeling.
5. Tasting Standards
5.1 French Sensory Collective
- International Expertise: Our World Taste Award judges are experienced hospitality professionals with extensive culinary backgrounds. We leverage our French community to uphold and deliver high French standards.
- Qualified Professionals: Our judges are experts with rigorous training and professional certifications. Their skills ensure accurate assessments of taste and quality, helping your products shine in the competitive food industry.
- Celebrating Flavors: Our mission is to identify and celebrate exceptional products, providing them the recognition they need to succeed in the market through thorough evaluations.
- Commitment to Excellence: Our esteemed judges are dedicated to culinary excellence, ensuring your products are evaluated with care and integrity, allowing exceptional flavors to stand out.
5.2 Objective and judge panel
- Objective: The World Taste Award conducts blind tastings following ISO 6658:2017 guidelines to ensure fair evaluations based on sensory attributes.
- Panellist Selection: We select highly trained experts familiar with ISO standards for thorough and accurate evaluations while maintaining French culinary traditions.
- French Standards: Incorporating principles from French culinary heritage, we emphasise quality, technique, and the art of flavor.
5.3 Controlled tasting environment
- Odour Control: We minimise distracting odours by enforcing fragrance-free policies and using effective odour-neutralising methods.
- Visual Cues: To ensure unbiased assessments, we use blindfolds or opaque containers and neutral lighting.
- Controlled Spaces: Standardised conditions such as controlled lighting, temperature, and ventilation are maintained for consistent sensory experiences.
5.4 Preparation of products for judging
- Neutral Ingredients: Products are prepared with neutral ingredients to ensure fairness. One additional basic ingredient may be used to enhance the dish.
- Professional Preparation: Skilled chefs prepare products following entrants' instructions with professional tools.
- Optimal Presentation: Products are served at ideal temperatures for the best tasting experience, ensuring fairness and consistency.
5.5 Anonymous samples and tasting form
- Sample Anonymity: Each sample is assigned a unique code for complete anonymity, ensuring objectivity in evaluations.
- Tasting Form Design: The tasting form is designed in line with ISO guidelines, featuring standardised attributes, clear descriptors, and a defined scoring system.
5.6 Sequential evaluation and data collection:
- Tasting Procedure: Following ISO-recommended procedures, panelists assess appearance, aroma, taste, and texture, providing an overall quality assessment for each sample.
- Data Collection: Panelists evaluate and record their observations independently on the tasting sheet, capturing detailed notes to ensure objectivity.
5.7 No product competition
- Equal Opportunities: Every product has an equal chance for recognition, regardless of company size or resources.
- Score-Based Evaluation: Awards are based solely on achieving a score of 60% or higher in evaluations, highlighting excellence in taste.
- Celebrating Diversity: We celebrate the rich diversity of unique flavors, providing a platform for all products to make an impact.
- Empowering Small Companies: Our non-competitive approach supports small companies, giving them the recognition they deserve and streamlining their path to credibility.
6. Our FLAVOR Method
6.1 Product judging criteria
At the World Taste Award (WTA), we utilize a scientifically grounded and ISO-aligned process, supported by our proprietary evaluation system, to thoroughly assess the sensory characteristics of your product based on the following six pillars:
- FORM (Shape, structure, visual appeal)
We analyze the product's shape, structure, and visual appeal, recognizing that presentation is the first step in sensory
- LINGER (Aftertaste, duration, impression)
Aftertaste and the duration of flavors are crucial in defining the lasting impression of a product.
- AROMA (Scent, fragrance, intensity)
Fragrance intensity and balance play a powerful role in enhancing the taste experience.
- VITALITY (Taste depth, balance, complexity of flavors)
We assess depth, balance, and complexity, focusing on how well the flavors are harmonized.
- OPULENCE (Texture, richness, mouthfeel)
Texture and mouthfeel contribute to richness and sensory satisfaction, ensuring a pleasurable tactile experience.
- RESONANCE (Depth, lasting impact, memorability)
The lasting impact and memorability of the product are captured through its depth and overall sensory impression.
6.2 Weighting points
We assign values to specific criteria, reflecting their importance in the overall evaluation process. This ensures a fair and balanced assessment, allowing each element to contribute proportionally to the final score.
6.3 Overall score
All individual criteria scores are meticulously calculated and aggregated. This comprehensive evaluation provides a final, holistic rating that reflects the overall quality and merit of the entry
6.4 Streamlined and Digital Process
Our judging process is streamlined and digital, allowing for efficient data collection and management. We gather all sensory evaluation data systematically to review and calibrate our assessments. This ensures consistency and accuracy across all entries.
6.5 Sensory Insights Report
Following the evaluations, we prepare a detailed sensory insights report containing the findings and insights derived from the assessments. This report serves as a valuable resource for clients to understand their product's strengths and areas for improvement.
6.6 Review & calibration
Our experts meticulously assess and fine-tune evaluations, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all entries. This step guarantees the reliability and fairness of the results, upholding the integrity of the competition.
7. Recognition & Feedback
7.1 Results announcement:
- Public Announcement: Participants can find the announcements on our website and via email.
- Notifications: Every participant will receive individualized email notifications for each entered product, regardless of the award outcome. This ensures you stay informed about the sensory analysis results and accompanying resources.
- Deliverables: Each product entry will include a sensory analysis report that provides valuable insights into the evaluated product.
- Judges' Decision: Please note that the judges' decisions are final. We appreciate your understanding of this matter.
- Unlock Digital Visibility: Celebrate your achievements with our thoughtfully designed artworks. Use them on your packaging and share your success on social media.
7.2 World Taste Award eligibility
Your eligibility for a World Taste Award is based on your overall score:
- Score of 90% or Above: Products achieving this score exemplify exquisite flavor and represent the pinnacle of taste mastery. These products deliver exceptional taste and quality, earning a Platinum World Taste Award.
- Score Between 80% and 89%: These products celebrate sensational taste excellence, consistently impressing with their quality and flavor. Products in this range qualify for a Gold World Taste Award.
- Score Between 70% and 79%: Recognized for their distinctive taste, these products consistently exceed expectations in flavor and quality. They are eligible for a Silver World Taste Award due to their impressive profiles.
- Score Between 60% and 69%: These products demonstrate promising flavor potential, pleasing the palate with enjoyable taste experiences. They qualify for a Bronze World Taste Award.
- Score Below 60%: While your current score is below the eligibility threshold, this presents an opportunity for growth. We encourage you to leverage our on-demand services for personalized support in enhancing your product's taste and quality. Together, we can work towards improving your score for next year.
7.3 Showcase your achievement
- Award Artwork Licensing Pack: Once you receive your sensory analysis report, eligible participants can obtain the Award Artwork Licensing Pack to proudly display their prestigious achievement.
- Judges’ Detailed Report: Enhance your understanding of your product with a detailed taste report from our expert panel. This report covers visual appeal, aroma, texture, flavor, and overall experience, providing valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.
- Printed Stickers: Highlight your product's success with exclusive printed stickers featuring your award achievement.
- Trophy and Engraved Plate: Celebrate your accomplishment with a beautifully crafted trophy and engraved plate, symbolizing your dedication to excellence and quality.
- Product Development & Enhancement Services: Our French Sensory Collective specializes in product development and enhancement for the food and hospitality industry. We offer expertise in flavor profiling, ingredient sourcing, recipe formulation, and more, helping you achieve exceptional results and effectively grow your brand.
8. Showcase your win
8.1 Artwork licensing pack content
- Product-Specific Usage: The award artwork is strictly limited to the winning product and cannot be used for other products within your brand portfolio.
- Usage Duration: The non-exclusive license allows artwork usage for three years across product packaging, email signatures, websites, social media, and print materials.
- License Expiration: After three years from receiving the award, all artwork usage must stop across all platforms and media.
- Ingredient Modifications: Any changes to the product’s ingredients will result in the immediate discontinuation of the artwork license for that product.
- Preserving Integrity: The WTA reserves the right to revoke the license if misuse, misconduct, or actions that harm the reputation of the awards are identified.
8.2 Stickers Guidelines
- Stickers must be purchased directly from the organiser—third-party printing is not permitted.
- All stickers are printed to meet high-quality standards.
- Stickers are exclusive to winning products.
- Purchase of printed stickers will be available after the official results announcement.
8.3 Legal Compliance
The World Taste Award (WTA) follows Australian law, ensuring fairness, transparency, and integrity throughout the awards process. Our compliance with Australian regulations guarantees that the awards operate with trust and credibility.
8.4 Artwork Licensing Pack Content
Enhance your product’s appeal with our comprehensive licensing package, which includes:
- Digital certificate of achievement
- 3-year artwork license
- Directory product presentation
- Optional printed stickers
- Digital media support
8.5 Brand & Artwork Guidelines
Our guidelines provide clear instructions to help you achieve visually striking packaging and branding:
- Sticker artwork and printing techniques
- Recommendations for high-quality paper and foiling
- Step-by-step guidance to maintain excellence and elevate your product’s presentation
Following these guidelines ensures attention to detail and maximises the impact of your award recognition.
8.6 Award Artwork License Agreement
- Permission & License: Award winners receive exclusive access to the artwork package for use on the awarded product under a non-exclusive license.
- License Duration: The license is valid for three years from the award date.
- Compliance: Winners must adhere to the terms of the license agreement and follow the provided brand and artwork guidelines.
8.7 Using Your Award Artwork
- High-Quality Printing: Ensure your printing maintains sharp details, vibrant colors, and precision for a polished presentation.
- Incorporating Artwork into Packaging: Seamlessly integrate the WTA artwork into your product’s packaging, ensuring a cohesive and professional look.
- Digital Use: Maximise your visibility by showcasing the award artwork across websites, social media platforms, and email communications.
- Maintaining Integrity: Accurately represent the award by adhering to packaging guidelines and ensuring the authenticity of stickers.
- Value & Recognition: Use the artwork strategically to highlight your product’s success and increase brand appeal. Thoughtful incorporation will enhance the recognition and value of your achievement.