TORONTO — On April 13, an international jury met in Toronto to select the 10 finalists for the SIAL Innovation Grand Award 2017.
This year’s theme is A Spotlight on Health, Enjoyment and Convenience. “It’s a fact — products with health benefits have never been this represented,” says Xavier Terlet, president of the SIAL Innovation jury. “Today, more than one in four new products launched worldwide (27.7 per cent) makes a health claim. In North America, the rate has reached a record high of 40 per cent, which is huge.”
From the 92 innovations presented by exhibitors, 10 caught the eye of the experts on the jury as representing today’s strongest trends:
• Le Moulin à champignons, Sabarot — France, booth #2327
A select blend of mill-dried mushrooms.
• Le Petit Quinoa, Sabarot — France, booth #2327
A blend of cereals and quinoa sold in the shape of a sausage, designed to be sliced and pan-fried in minutes. High in protein and gluten-free.
• Turbana Plantain Chips, Turbana — Canada, booth #1110
Plantain chips, which are cholesterol, saturated fat and gluten free.
• Sauce Mac & Cheese, Les Aliments O ’Sole Mio — Canada, booth #649
Sole Mio is a fresh, ready-made mac-and-cheese sauce sold in a spouted container. The product scored well with the jury for its convenience and time-saving nature.
• 29 Fevrier Maple-in-a-Tree, Groupe 29 février — Canada, booth #851
The jury had great things to say about this maple syrup and its “bag-in-tub” configuration, which protects the product and allows it to keep longer.
• Saffron Sugar Cube, Taj Food, Minami Inc. — Canada, booth #1219
Saffron and sugar combine in a 100-per-cent natural product.
• Vermouth Vinegar, Vinagrerias Riojanas — Spain, booth #2000
A product that reacquaints consumers with vinegar through a novel, premium taste.
• Quinta Quinoa, Katan — Canada, booth #1543
High in protein and iron, Ontario-grown Quinta Quinoa is sold in a freestanding re-sealable bag.
• Crispy Dill Pickled Carrots, Safies Speciality Foods Company — U.S., booth #1028
Spice-and vinegar-marinated Safie carrots.
• Patty Fresh, Tiffany Gate Foods — Canada, booth #2033
A fresh, vegetarian pre-cooked roll.
Of the 10 products selected, only one will be awarded the SIAL Canada 2017 Grand Award. All finalists, along with the award winner, will be given the opportunity to travel to all SIAL shows around the world, including China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Paris and Abu Dhabi.
