Gulfood 2018

Watch: Gulfood innovation award winners reveal the secrets of their success

This content item was originally published on www.foodnavigator-asia.com, a William Reed online publication.

By Gary Scattergood and Lester J. Wan

- Last updated on GMT

Ten Gulfood Innovation Awards were handed out at this year's show in Dubai, and we caught up with several of the winners to find out about the products that wowed the judges.

Recognising the best new-to-industry technologies and product-specific innovations across the event’s 5,000-plus local, regional and international exhibitors, the Gulfood Innovation Awards are judged by a panel of industry leading chefs, retailers and food sector professionals.

The UAE’s Global Food Industries more than held its own against an international field of food innovators to claim gongs for Best Halal Food Innovation and Best Meat & Poultry Innovation, while Hunter Foods took home the award for Best Organic Innovation. The two firms’  gongs ensured the UAE’s top ranking on the night, notching more category wins than any other country, and both feature in our video.

“These awards confirm our commitment to innovation – we are relentless in pursuing opportunities which provide better value and products to our consumers,”​ said Jacek Plewa, general manager, Global Foods Industries, which launched its Healthy Farm range of superfood burgers and nuggets at the show.

“We are the first UAE company to create superfoods for consumers’ daily use. Our products are completely transparent, with no preservatives or fillers, reduced salt and no MSG. We have 30% more protein, 60# less calories and 90% more fibre. These products address increasing consumer demand for true health and wellness products and our ambition is for a million people to try our products this year.”

Mark Napier, Gulfood show director, added: “The UAE companies’ wins reflect the maturing food production landscape both domestically and across the wider region. It’s no secret that Arab Gulf states are working extremely hard to reduce their over-reliance on food imports and these wins show that when the right ingredients are in place, homegrown companies can more than compete on the international arena.”

The full list of Gulfood Innovation Awards winners were:

Best Baked or Confectionary:Temole Pomegranate Chips ​by Atlantic Foods Co. Ltd. (USA)

Best Condiment or Sauce:Tangy Orange Marmalade infused with Indian Saffron ​by Mahbir Saffron (UK)

Best Dairy Innovation:Cocoa Aloha​ by Maresi Austria (Austria)

Best Frozen or Chilled Food:Dairy-free / vegan ice-cream made with olive oil​ by La Ibense Bornay (Spain)

Best Halal Food:Chicken Quinoa and Kale Burger​ by Global Foods Industries (UAE)

Best Health & Wellness Product:Hikian Raw Honey​ by Hikian Raw Honey (Finland)

Best Hot Beverage:Quick Tea​ by The Fresh Food Company (Germany)

Best Meat or Poultry Innovation:Super Chicken Quinoa & Kale Nuggets​ by Global Foods Industries (UAE)

Best Organic Product:Hunter Collection – Lizi’s Organic Granola ​by Hunter Foods Ltd. FZCO (UAE)

Best Soft Beverage:Sparkling Coconut Water​ by Thai Coconut Public Company (Thailand)

Check out our video to here from some of the winners.

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Analyzing the unknown threat from Microplastics

Analyzing the unknown threat from Microplastics

Content provided by Agilent Technologies | 06-Nov-2023 | Infographic

Microplastics are any plastic-derived synthetic solid particle or polymeric matrix, ranging in size from 1 µm to 5 mm and insoluble in water.

Unlock real chocolate indulgence with CBT Gold

Unlock real chocolate indulgence with CBT Gold

Content provided by Bunge | 20-Sep-2023 | Business Advice

As the chocolate industry evolves to meet the demands of cost-conscious consumers who refuse to compromise on quality, CBT Gold offers both delicious luxury...

Mastering taste challenges in good-for-you products

Mastering taste challenges in good-for-you products

Content provided by Symrise | 12-Sep-2023 | White Paper

When food and beverage manufacturers reduce sugar, salt, or fat and add fibers, minerals or vitamins, good-for-you products can suffer from undesirable...

Functional Beverage Market Insights in ASPAC

Functional Beverage Market Insights in ASPAC

Content provided by Glanbia Nutritionals | 06-Jul-2023 | Product Brochure

High growth ahead for protein beverages makes Asia Pacific (ASPAC) the market to watch. Consumer research shows new usage occasions, key consumption barriers,...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars

Food & Beverage Trailblazers

F&B Trailblazers Podcast