The leading event on the food and beverage industry’s events calendar, the World Food Innovation Awards welcomes some of the most innovative new brands and products every year, and this year was no exception. The brands introduced finished products that tap into crucial consumer trends in the food and beverage industry, from health and functional benefits to the use of natural and organic ingredients, on-the-go convenience and premium and artisan positioning. Here, we’re having a closer look at the top new brands and brand extensions to emerge at this year’s event.
Best new brand
Best new brand of the year was Coco & Lucas’ Kitchen, a delicious range of gluten and lactose-free frozen meals that are handmade with natural and local ingredients. The range offers children a wholesome and natural meal and a balanced diet. Impressing the judges with their children’s food range as well, Piccolo is inspired by the Mediterranean approach to health and wellbeing, made with 100% natural organic ingredients. What’s more, the brand works in partnership with the National Childbirth Trust. Mindful Bites joined the finalists with their cashew nut butter and baobab crunchy bites, a gluten- and dairy-free healthy snack range. The offering is a good source of plant-based protein, rich in fibre and good fats, contain no added sugar, no palm oil. Their ingredients get filtered based on their nutrient density, glycemic impact, and ethical sourcing.
Impressing the judges with their children’s food range as well, Piccolo is inspired by the Mediterranean approach to health and wellbeing, made with 100% natural organic ingredients. What’s more the brand works in partnership with the National Childbirth Trust. Mindful Bites joined the finalists with their Cashew Nut Butter & Baobab Crunchy Bites, the gluten & dairy free healthy snacks range. The offering is a good source of plant-based protein, rich in fibre and good fats, contain no added sugar, and no palm oil. Their ingredients get filtered based on their nutrient density, glycemic impact, and ethical sourcing. Another finalist in the category, Rushdi Foods mighty sesame tahini is a healthy, superfood mayonnaise alternative offered in an easy-to-use squeeze bottle. The all-natural, vegan product is free from preservatives, sugar, salt, or other artificial ingredients and stands out as a great source of protein, as sesame contains 21.4g of protein per 100g, in comparison to 15g in tofu.
Tea Rex, the world’s first fresh fruit and root infusion, was also among the finalists, praised for their use of high-pressure processing, which ensures that all the flavours, vitamins and nutrients of raw fruit and root are preserved and crammed into a colourful blend. The product has a 12-week chilled shelf life and can be brewed in a teapot, infuser or disposable over-the-cup filter provided in packaging to brew on the go.
Best brand extension/limited edition
In the best brand extensions/limited edition category, the gourmet popcorn brand Joe & Seph’s marmite popcorn took the trophy home. Created in partnership with the iconic Unilever brand Marmite, the extra-large mushroom-shaped kernels are air-popped before being generously glazed in caramel and the yeast extract to create the ultimate sweet and savoury combination. Among the boldest and most exciting brand extensions this year, The Naked Marshmallow Company’s marshmallow gin and vodka is a first of its kind. Salted caramel marshmallow vodka has all the buttery, tangy flavour of the salted caramel variant. The vanilla bean marshmallow gin, on the other hand, features the classic vanilla with added seeds for an intense flavour.
Launching at IFE for the first time, Shaken Udders’ new YogOaty range was also among the finalists. Offered in portable, resealable pouches made with 100% natural ingredients and packed with British whole milk yogurt, real fruit and wholesome oats, the brand’s latest addition to the range ticks all the boxes for a brilliant children’s snack or breakfast option.
Set that trend
Have you launched a new product? Then the FoodBev Awards are for you! We regularly come across new products and trends, providing them with the platform to get the exposure they deserve. Showcase your latest innovations and set that trend!
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