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.