The fair welcomed 25,000 flavour decision-makers, ingredient suppliers and providers of innovative solutions when it opened its doors in Frankfurt from 28 to 30 November. The atmosphere was impressive: Industry peers met, there were new products to discover, the excitement of potential partnerships to be felt and stimulating expert discussions to be had. The winners of the Startup Innovation Challenge were announced after an exciting round of live pitches in the Innovation Hub.
There is currently no getting around the topic of sustainability: from recycled or organic ingredients to carbon-neutral and local products to water- and energy-saving manufacturing processes. There were many new things to discover for vegan products in particular, as the trend towards meat- and fish-free products is booming. Plant-based ingredients are often used, including local legumes. Protein from mushrooms will soon establish itself as a new source. Mushroom cultures are easy to cultivate and are not harvested at the same time of year as plants.
On the second day, there was a Women's Networking Breakfast for female professionals from the food industry who are causing a stir in the global food system and securing the future of our planet. Under the motto "Building a more equitable journey for all", exciting discussions took place about the important role of women in the further development of the food industry.
Informa Markets, organiser of the Fi event portfolio, announced the winners of this year's Fi Innovation Awards at a ceremony in the Panorama Hall at Messe Frankfurt on 29 November 2023. Following an exciting round of live pitches in the Innovation Hub, the winners of the Startup Innovation Challenge had already been presented.
The Fi Innovation Awards recognise people, companies and organisations that are breaking new ground and driving positive change in the ingredients industry. Judging is carried out by a panel of respected industry experts chaired by Prof Colin Dennis, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of IFIS and the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF). This year, twenty companies from six categories were shortlisted. This year's winners and 'highly commended' entrants for the Fi Innovation Awards include the following:
- The "Sustainability Innovation Award" went to Ofi for its efforts to promote climate protection through the Carbon Scenario Planner (CSP). KOA's project to introduce a new component into the value chain by upcycling the cocoa pulp was rated as highly commendable.
- Corbion received the "Sensory Innovation Award" for Purac® Powder MAX, a range of ingredients that enable manufacturers to produce coated confectionery with an outstanding sour flavour, for example. AAK was highly recommended for Cebestm Choco 15, an ingredient that improves the cocoa flavour in cocoa butter substitutes.
To summarise: It was three intensive days that showed the unlimited possibilities and provided space for new partnerships, innovative solutions and sustainable products. The next trade fair will take place again in Frankfurt from 19 to 21 November 2024.
