EU Organic Awards: Austria, Bulgaria and Germany lead the way as EESC recognises Europe’s best organic SME, retailer and restaurant

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has welcomed the winners of the 2026 edition of the EU Organic Awards, celebrating three outstanding businesses that are helping make organic food more accessible, innovative and sustainable across Europe.

The winners were announced in Brussels on EU Organic Day, 23 September, during the official EU Organic Awards ceremony.

The EESC is responsible for three awards covering key parts of the organic food value chain:

Best organic food processing SME: Bio Bulgaria, Sofia, Bulgaria 

Since 2016, Bio Bulgaria is an organic food company which supports short supply chains, fair trade and the development of local communities. For the past decade, they have helped dozens of Bulgarian organic farmers secure stable markets for their raw materials. Beyond its products, it promotes education through schools and the media, keeps organic food affordable and turns waste into valuable products. 

Best organic food retailer: Boßhammersch Hof, Großseelheim, Hesse, Germany  

Boßhammersch Hof is a family-run organic delivery company. Through its online shop and app, it cooperates with local farms to deliver more than 2,000 plastic-free food boxes each week to households, schools and rural communities, with a particular focus on areas that lack access to organic shops. Combining innovation with social responsibility, it offers real-time delivery tracking and recipes through its web app, while promoting fair wages, intercultural diversity and strong female leadership. 

Best organic restaurant/food service: Zotter Schokolade, Riegersburg, Styria, Austria  

Zotter Chocolate is a pioneer in organic bean-to-bar chocolate production, creating more than 700 chocolate varieties, and has an on-site restaurant. Its organic farm and visitor experience attract around 300,000 visitors annually. Through its organic farm, the company produces ingredients for its restaurants, generates its own solar energy, and promotes animal welfare and zero-waste practices. 

"This year’s EU Organic Awards winners showcase the remarkable diversity and creativity of the organic sector. From social farming and home delivery services to restaurants, zoos, tasting stations and community initiatives, they demonstrate how organic businesses can successfully combine sustainability, innovation and local engagement. Their achievements are an inspiration for Europe’s sustainable future'' said Seamus Boland, President of the EESC. 

“These winners show that organic is not simply about how we produce food. It is about the kind of food system we want to build in Europe, one that works for farmers, businesses, consumers and our environment. From processing to retail and restaurants, these projects prove that sustainability and economic viability can go hand in hand. We need to give such initiatives the conditions to grow, reach more consumers and inspire others across Europe,” said Stoyan Tchoukanov, President of the EESC’s Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT).

The EU Organic Awards recognise innovative, sustainable and inspiring projects that create real added value for organic production and consumption. Now in their fifth edition, the awards showcase people, businesses and territories demonstrating how organic production can contribute to more sustainable and resilient European food systems.

The awards are jointly organised by the European Commission, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), European Committee of the Regions, COPA-COGECA and IFOAM Organics Europe.

The EESC’s three categories highlight the importance of the entire food chain, from processing and retail to the moment organic food reaches consumers.

Background

EU Organic Day is celebrated every year on 23 September and provides an opportunity to raise awareness of organic production and its contribution to sustainable agriculture and food systems. The EU Organic Awards were launched in 2022 to recognise excellence throughout the organic value chain and give greater visibility to innovative organic projects across the European Union.

For more information:
EU Organic Awards:

https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/initiatives/eu-organic-awards/eu-organic-awards-edition-2026