Papadakis wins “Best Publisher in the World” Gourmand International Awards
We are thrilled to share that Papadakis was named “Best Publisher in the World” at the 31st Gourmand Awards in Riyadh.
Upon announcing the award, Edouard Cointreau spoke the following words:
“Our deep admiration and gratitude go to Papadakis, the art publisher that continually surprises the world giving each book a universe of its own. Spanning subjects from the infinitely small to the immensely vast, your catalogue deepens our understanding of the universe and heightens our sense of wonder. The food-culture community is fortunate to experience the beauty you reveal, the instinct that guides your choices, and the books whose message resonates universally.”
To be recognised on this global stage – among publishers from 96 countries and so many remarkable books, creators, and cultures – was so deeply moving. I was invited to close the ceremony with the following speech, which I thought I would share here:
Good evening everyone,
Over the past few days, I’ve been surrounded by an extraordinary gathering of people and books. My huge congratulations to all the creators of the remarkable works being celebrated here this week.
Edouard – you and your father had a vision, and you have built a truly global community that recognises the power of books. You see beyond each individual title, and you understand that the importance of a book lies not only in its pages, but in the ripple effects it creates. Thank you – to you, your father, and your entire Gourmand team, for creating a space where books, culture, and food stories from every corner of the world can be celebrated with such sincerity and generosity.
It is an overwhelming honour to receive this Award from Gourmand.
Edouard, you so eloquently described each book being a universe of its own. That vision aligns so deeply within the heart of what I strive for at Papadakis.
I was born to two extraordinary parents with a profound love of books, who, fittingly, first met in my father’s bookshop. My father, Andreas Papadakis, founded our publishing house in 1967 with a spirit of independence, courage, and curiosity that has shaped my life. I continue that legacy, while also shaping and refining our identity as a publisher for new generations.
A journalist once described me as being “mad and courageous”. I take that as a compliment! Because, independent publishing demands that willingness and ability to take risks, to trust your instincts, and to champion ideas that aren’t mainstream.
I publish books that have a strong visual identity, are rigorously researched, and unafraid to bring different worlds together. From seeds, and sacred plants, to food security and climate justice, cities and culinary cultures – every Papadakis book is an exploration of wonder, and of our place in the world.
Independent publishing is far from easy, and it is rarely linear. It’s a labour of love, built on instinct, trust, collaboration, and sometimes sheer determination. But moments like this remind me why we continue, and with such passion.
Many of our books have had ripple effects far beyond what we could have imagined: books matter. They leave a mark. They change people. And they will continue to resonate, long after we are gone.
As I look ahead, I am excited! I have an ambitious programme of books planned for next year – and the following year 2027, we will celebrate our 60th anniversary. Our programme brings together new voices, new collaborations, and new visions of the world we share.
I want to thank every author, photographer, scientist, artist, chef, farmer, researcher, designer, partner – and my family – who have walked this path with me. These universes we create are shared ones – and I accept this award on behalf of all of us.
And finally, to Gourmand – thank you for championing the world of book publishing, for seeing the intention behind my work, and for celebrating beauty, curiosity, and connection in a world that so desperately needs these things.
This Gourmand Award is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Here’s to the next 30 years of the Gourmand awards, et Joyeux Anniversaire Edouard!
The Academy Bookshop - the foundation of the publishing house...
Having recently been given a copy of a 1981 edition “The Bookshops of London”, our Publishing Director, Alexandra Papadakis, reflects on the early bookselling days of Academy Editions, via its two bookshops in Holland Street, London. The publishing house Academy Editions was founded by Andreas Papadakis in 1967, but began in 1964 as a general bookshop – The Academy Bookshop.
Andreas’ first publications were finely bound limited editions of other publishers’ books, but he soon decided that he would prefer to publish his own and began in 1967 with a large format paperback of Aubrey Beardsley’s prints, an ideal title to attract the customers of Biba, who had recently opened her shop just round the corner in Kensington Church Street.
The Academy Bookshop at 7/8 Holland Street, London, W4.
The copy of “The Bookshops of London” in front of some of the early books published by Academy Editions.
I’ve just been given this wonderful book “Bookshops of London”, published in 1981. It lists my father’s two bookshops on Holland Street, W8, London, just before he opened a third at the Royal College of Art. We lived above the Academy Bookshop, and as you can see by the last photos, I spent quite a bit of time in there from a young age! It was running the Academy Bookshop that led my father to start his publishing business Academy Editions.
left to right: Andreas Papadakis in front of the door at 8 Holland Street. The publishing house began its life at the back of the bookshop. A young Alexandra among the books. Andreas Papadakis in the shop.
Alexandra at the till with Andreas the bookseller.
The area of Holland Street was synonymous with artists, fashion designers and musicians throughout the mid-‘60s, ‘70s and into the ‘80s. Barbara Hulanicki opened BIBA just around the corner on Kensington Church St, and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin opened The Equinox in 1979, directly opposite the Academy Bookshop, where he sold books on the occult.
Excerpts from the book:
LONDON ART BOOKSHOP
“This small and well organised shop specialises in new books on all aspects of architecture.
The wide range of subject areas within the specialised stock is remarkable in a shop where an exhaustive survey of Renaissance architecture can be found, as well as a highly specialised text on industrial archaeology. Indeed, almost all possible divisions within the field of architecture are acknowledged.
A few secondhand books are available, and a selection of magazines and journals on architecture and design is on hand.
Across the street is the Academy Bookshop, which is under the same ownership as London Art Bookshop, and carries books on fine and applied arts.”
ACADEMY BOOKSHOP
“The Academy Bookshop is run in tandem with the London Art Bookshop, but here the new books are all are on all aspects are fine and applied arts.
A particularly rich harvest of books on photography can be found here, but even in the more specialised fields of carpets, furniture, patterns and textiles, they stock a good range of titles.
As in the London Art Bookshop, the Academy Bookshop is distinguished by the extraordinary range and depth of its holdings. Academy Editions publishes books in the fields of architecture and the arts.”
London Art Bookshop, which later moved to the Royal College of Art; the shop front was designed by James Gowan. Pictured in the photograph is Jo Farrell, daughter of architect Sir Terry Farrell, who worked at Academy Editions, in front of the shop. The shop sold art supplies, posters, t-shirts, and books.