Judging by the number of entries pouring in for the 2010 Le Cordon Bleu World Food Media Awards, the global financial crisis has done nothing to dent worldwide interest in food and drink publishing. Since the World Food Media Awards competition began in 1997, international consumer interest has increased across all forms of media: print, radio, TV, and the internet. 

With just 100 days to go before entries close for the Awards, the 2010 competition promises to be the biggest and the best.

The deadline for entries is Friday February 5, 2010.

As with the previous competition, only Gold Ladles will be presented. However, short-listed nominees will be fully recognised and will be entitled to display 2010 Le Cordon Bleu World Food Media Awards insignia to further promote their work. The full list of nominees will be announced in April.

Works eligible for entry in the next competition must have been published or broadcast between June 2, 2007 and January 31, 2010. After the closing date for entries, an international panel of food, wine and media professionals will begin the task of judging the entries. Following judging, the public announcement of nominees will take place in March, 2010.

As the only international awards to celebrate the best of the world's food and drink media across 24 categories, awards are given in the following:

Television and Radio:

Best Television Food and/or Drink Show

Best Television Food and/or Drink Segment

Best Food and/or Drink Radio Programme

Books:

Best Hard Cover Recipe Book (RRP under Euro 35)

Best Hard Cover Recipe Book (RRP over Euro 35)

Best Soft Cover Recipe Book (RRP under Euro 35)

Best Soft Cover Recipe Book (RRP over Euro 35)

Best Health & Nutrition Book Best Children's Cookbook

Best Food Book

Best Drink Book

Best Food /Drink Guide Book

Magazines and Newspapers

Best Food Magazine Best Drink Magazine Best Food and/or Drink Section in a Magazine

Best Food and/or Drink Section in a Newspaper

Journalism

Best Food Journalist

Best Drink Journalist

Best Health & Nutrition Writer

Best Restaurant Critic

Photography and Food Styling

Best Food Photography

Best Drink Photography

Best Food and/or Drink Stylist Websites

Best Food and/or Drink Website Gold Ladles will be presented to Award winners at a gala ceremony on Monday May 3, 2010 at The Intercontinental Adelaide, South Australia as part of Tasting Australia.