Together with our colleagues at Campden BRI, the UK’s leading food and drink research organisation, we are urging UK food science and technology students to take part in Ecotrophelia UK – a prestigious food innovation competition promoting innovation, creativity and sustainability to students pursuing a future career in the food sector.
Ecotrophelia UK, which is now in its seventh year, is open to teams of undergraduate or postgraduate students, including teams from different universities on industrial placements. From idea generation through to the final packaged product, the teams get a hands-on experience of what it takes to bring an eco-friendly food or drink product to market.
Andrew Gardner, Operations Director at IFST said: “IFST supports Ecotrophelia because it sparks ideas, ignite careers, and develops the next generation of innovative and talented leaders. Personally, I can’t wait to find out what brilliant ideas and innovative products the teams will submit this year.”
Some creations from the past included: sustainable and indulgent non-dairy alternative to traditional ice cream made from algal protein; orange and cocoa flavour hemp-milk shakes; veggie sushi-style rolls packed with locally sources vegetables; or a tasty and nutritious snack made from extruded apple pomace and maize.
Shortlisted students will be invited to pitch on 11 June 2019 to the ‘dragons’, a distinguished panel of top food industry specialists which will include representatives from PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Food Manufacture, Marks & Spencer, Mondelez, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Unilever and Warburtons to be in with a chance of winning the top prize of £2,000.
Winners will be announced the following day and will go forward to represent the UK at the European final which will take place during ANUGA in Cologne, Germany in October 2019.
Bertrand Emond, Head of Membership and Training and Campden BRI added: “In 2016 and 2017, teams from Nottingham Trent University and University of Reading went on to secure bronze and silver. We’re hoping for further success and would like to see many more students take part.”
The closing date for entries is 29 March 2019. Find out more and apply!