Organised in association with IFE and sponsored by Tetra Pak, the 2017 World Food Innovation Awards once again played host to a wonderful array of new concepts and products that are truly disruptive, changing the game for all aspects of the industry from business and production models to packaging, marketing, and the environment.
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.
Best foodservice or catering product
The winner of the best foodservice or catering product was T-Sticks, taking versatility to next level through their innovative packaging design that utilises the diffuser technology, creating a premium tea-to-go experience. The concept uses recycled foil in the packaging and also helps reduce water wastage thanks to the infuser format that ensures there are no drips. A finalist in the category, Gem Smokers & Woodchip is a unique electric food smoker accompanied by over 20 naturally grown, flavoured wood chips such as favourites like mesquite and hickory to sensational specials such as chocolate, cherry, bay and a favourite apple, cherry, orange mix particularly good for red meat. Mtok Vkal’s Liteez, on the other hand, is a new 3D sweetener delivery system in the form of a meringue kiss, which can be enjoyed as a snack or as a tabletop sweetener. The patent-pending Liteez have the appearance and texture of a traditional meringue yet, it is free of eggs, sugar, allergens and is vegan. Vivera B.V. joined the finalists with their Pumpkin Sweet Potato Burger, 100% plant based, 80% made of vegetables, and free of gluten. Great for a healthy lifestyle.
Best convenience food innovation
Tuk In Foods’ Curry in a Naan was the winner of the best convenience food innovation category this year, a highly original convenience snack that allows one of the most popular foods in the world, curry, to be eaten on the go. By combining the finest curries with pilau rice and wrapping and sealing them in soft naan bread, the product creates a delicious meal that is mess-free and convenient to eat. Soupologie’s Swavoury range is a fresh twist on gazpacho, creating a convenient food that’s low in sugar, high in vegetables and fibre. The product offers a great blend of nutritious ingredients naturally high in protein and can be enjoyed as a fresh, green breakfast, a healthy snack or a pre- or post- workout pick-me-up. Also a finalist in the category, quark is the latest addition to Fuel10K’s protein-boosted breakfasts, designed especially for commuters who usually skip breakfast and avoid the cereal aisles. Naturally low in fat and high in protein with no added refined sugar, the quark delivers on the growing consumer demand for high protein, low sugar, on-the-go meal solutions. Finally, Coco & Lucas’ Kitchen stood out in the category with their home-cooked, affordable, healthy and sustainable pre-prepared frozen meal range for children that comes in biodegradable packaging.
Best confectionery innovation
This year, the best confectionery innovation category was full of enticing delights. The winner of the category, The Solid Chocolate Company, offers an Easter egg that is not hollow on the inside! The eggs are built from 42 separate, solid pieces of fine Belgian chocolate that fit perfectly together to create a solid egg. As each solid piece is moulded individually before the egg is hand constructed, there is no need to bash or break the egg to get into it. You simply open the recyclable pack and take a piece. Offering a guilt-free pleasure, Gato & Co impressed the panel in the category with their healthy, natural and sustainable puddings made from vegetables, fruits and superfoods. Revolutionising the dessert aisle, the brand’s unique recipes such as the aubergine and chocolate fondant is unquestionably at the forefront of the health food revolution that has been dominating the food and beverage market. The chipotle and sea salt of the firecracker bar provides savoury notes as the sweet candy pops and sizzles to create unexpected layers of texture. The spicy and savoury chocolate snack is crafted from Fairtrade dark chocolate. Also a finalist in the category, Spirugar Cakely Kits invents a revolutionary way of preparing homemade, low-sugar, fondant-decorated cakes in just a few minutes. Thanks to the easy-to-use kit, no special skills or tools are needed. Simply bake your favourite homemade cake using the disposable baking mold included in the kit. Insert your cake straight into the pre-shaped decorated fondant and flip it onto a plate to get a stunning professional finish.
Best snacking innovation
As functional benefits drive innovation in the best snacking innovation category, brands are also looking to alternative and sustainable sources for fortifying their products. This year’s winner was Jimini’s Energy and Protein made with cricket flour. The healthy and organic range is packed with dried fruits, plant proteins and cricket flour, which is a great source of protein with its 9 amino acids, vitamin B12, iron and calcium. The bars also contain plant proteins such as hemp, peas and sunflowers for their carbon hydrates and to balance the fat input. These protein sources are environmentally friendly and require fewer resources than traditional livestock in terms of water, feed and space. Also concentrating on the health aspect, iRaw was selected a finalist with their newly launched Green Healthy Snacking range, consisting of 17 innovative and visionary organic vegan, raw food products. Beginning as an attempt at zero food waste by dehydrating pulp from daily juicing and making nut milk, the brand’s products were tested on founders’ clients in raw food classes and in a health shop in Bristol. The health snacks are created by slowly air drying the raw fruits and vegetables at low temperatures. The procedure prolongs the shelf life and ensures that the raw ingredients maintain nutrients and enzymes.
On a similar thread, Hippeas is a new range of vegan and organic chickpea puffs which is set to shake-up the global snacking market with a bold brand story and purpose, clear health credentials and exciting flavour profiles. Light, crunchy and airy, the on-the-go snack packs a serious punch of protein and fibre. Dawn Meats Fori Fori Chicken Bar and CP Foods 100% Chargrilled Chicken Fillet, on the other hand, offers healthy, meat-based, high-protein snack options. Piri Piri Chicken Bar is made out of only free range meat, fruit, seeds and spicy seasoning. With 20g of protein per bar, it is gluten free, nut free, dairy free and paleo friendly. The product has a shelf life of 12 months and yet has no additives or preservatives. With a mission to challenge the general view that regards meat snacking as relatively unhealthy, Taste Inc Chicken Fillets offers a charcoal grilled mini chicken fillet that delivers hunger satisfaction without the guilt. Finally, joining the finalists in the category, Mtok Vkal’s patent-pending vegan meringue kiss stands out as a product that fulfils both needs for a delicious low-cal sweetener as well as indulgent dessert, without compromising on taste and helps with weight management.
Set that trend
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