A luxurious win for this year’s NPC

Bespoke cocktails from our famous mixologist team and a gorgeous Jozi sunset, set the scene for a memorable night. A total of 29 products were entered this year.

In the brutal world of new product development, staying ahead of the curve is the only way to thrive. Understanding food trends is central to success. It is only through the analysis of emerging eating habits that it is possible to identify the food and beverage trends of tomorrow.

Taste is, and always will be, the top criterion by which food is measured. The culinary experience is also about pleasure and a feeling of fulfilment and satisfaction. Coupled with this are several other trends that impacted product development this year.

There is no slowing down in product categories featuring plant-based and organic foodstuffs, and consumers continue to look for craft and bespoke products. As an ingredient, added protein continues its upward curve on the menu, while beverages offer enormous scope for a developer with craft beverages, CBD, added protein and sugar-reduced variants hitting the spot. This year also saw a resurgence of nostalgic and luxury dairy items, with convenience an added selling point. The food and beverage market must tap even further into a time-strapped audience who are looking for convenience but don't want to sacrifice their health.

The goal is the ability to marry consumer health goals with new ingredients, flavours and formats.

A highlight of the evening was a presentation by master storyteller Pierre du Plessis. His habit of making the familiar strange and turning the world upside down resonated with guests – inspiring the industry to think differently when formulating new products.

This year’s overall winner is Woolworths’ Mini Chocolate & Caramel Ice Cream Bars. Judging took place on the following criteria: Sensory and organoleptic, marketing, packaging and compliance. A winning product must conform and exceed all these expectations. The judges felt that Woolworths did an amazing job in marrying taste, format innovation, excellent packaging and delicious taste and sensory appeal. A representative from the company will be flying to SIAL Paris 2020 in Paris, France.

The prize includes return airfare, accommodation and entry into the show. As one of the world’s leading trade fairs, showcasing the latest development in processing, raw ingredients, trends and finished products this is truly a trip of a lifetime!

While the key to successful innovation is the ability to offer the right product at the right time, it is also about capturing the attention of consumers. When you make a connection it often results in repeat business. The networking possibilities offered by the event is fantastic and it was wonderful to see so many guests sharing information.

The Food Review team are passionate about innovation in the food, beverage and packaging industries. It is an exciting time, coupled with many challenges and myriad opportunities. If your brand can decipher truly awesome taste, innovative formulation and incredible packaging we look forward to seeing your product in our judging line-up in 2020! •

AND THE WINNERS ARE:

2019 Range category

• Winner – Woolworths Double Cream Strained Yoghurt • Runner up – Pesto Princess 100 per cent PlantBased Fresh Soup Range • Second runner up – Woolworths Tonic Water Range

2019 Individual category

• Winner – Woolworths Mini Chocolate & Caramel Ice Cream Bars • Runner up – Pioneer Foods Wellingtons Sweet Jalapeno Sauce • Second runner up – Darling Brew – Pixie Dust

Packaging Award

• Winner – Ceres Cider Company – Loxtonia Cider Range • Runner up – SAB Brutal Fruit Ruby Apple Spritzer • Second runner up – Woolworths Raw Cacoa Treats Range

Editor’s Choice Award

• Beyers Chocolates – Beyers Craft Range

2019 New Product Competition winner

• Winner – Woolworths Mini Chocolate & Caramel Ice Cream Bars • Runner up – Woolworths Double Cream Strained Yoghurt Range • Second runner up- Pesto Princess 100 per cent Plant Based Soup Range