Innovative new categories added to Fi Europe Innovation Awards
The prestigious Fi Europe Innovation Awards have announced the opening of entries for their 2024 programme, introducing four new categories that reflect the dynamism of food ingredient innovation. The expanded awards now feature nine categories, with submissions open until 6 September.
New categories reflect industry trends
Among the additions to this year’s awards are categories recognising advancements in dairy alternatives, food manufacturing processes, pet food innovation, and future foodtech. These new categories join the existing accolades for diversity and inclusion, health innovation, sensory innovation, and sustainability.
Yannick Verry, Brand Director for Food ingredients Europe & Americas, explained the rationale behind the expansion: “We felt it was time to expand our award categories to keep pace with the evolution of the industry as a whole. The category changes recognise the exciting advancements that are being made in dairy alternative ingredients and the growing role that tech is playing in solutions development.”
Focus on manufacturing efficiency
The introduction of a food manufacturing award is particularly noteworthy, as it acknowledges the increasing emphasis on operational efficiency, food safety, and waste reduction within the food and beverage industry. This category is likely to attract entries from companies developing novel processing technologies or implementing innovative manufacturing strategies.
Pet food sector gains recognition
In a move that reflects the growing importance of the pet food market, the awards have introduced a specific category for pet food innovation. This addition signals the organisers’ recognition of the unique challenges and opportunities present in developing ingredients for animal nutrition.
Judging process and eligibility
The awards will be evaluated by a panel of industry experts, led by Professor Colin Dennis, who chairs the board of trustees at both the International Food Information Service (IFIS) and the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF). Eligibility for most categories is limited to exhibitors at Fi Europe 2024, with the exception of the Diversity & Inclusion Award, which is open to all organisations.
Benefits for participants
Participating in the Fi Europe Innovation Awards offers more than just the possibility of winning. Entrants can expect to gain:
- International recognition
- Multi-channel publicity
- Networking opportunities with industry visionaries
- Objective validation of their innovations
Ceremony details
The awards ceremony will take place on the evening of 19 November at Fi Europe in Frankfurt, where winners will be announced. This year, entry to the Fi Europe Innovation Awards is included in the VIP pass for the event.
Verry expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming submissions: “I cannot wait to see what innovations will be showcased through this year’s programme and urge any organisation that is thinking about entering to go for it.”
As the food ingredient industry continues to evolve rapidly, these awards serve as a valuable platform for recognising and promoting the most innovative solutions. The expanded categories ensure that a wider range of contributions to the field can be acknowledged, from novel plant-based dairy alternatives to cutting-edge food manufacturing processes.
With the deadline of 6 September approaching, food scientists and industry professionals are encouraged to consider submitting their groundbreaking work for consideration. The Fi Europe Innovation Awards not only offer a chance for recognition but also provide a snapshot of the current state of innovation in the food ingredient sector, making them a valuable resource for those looking to stay abreast of industry trends and advancements.
- Learn more about the Fi Europe Innovation Awards 2024.
