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.
Following a successful 2017 when a team from University of Reading scooped the silver prize at the Ecotrophelia European finals at Food Matters Live for their veggie sushi-style rolls which are packed with locally sources vegetables, including crunchy cauliflower rice, it is hoped that many more students will be encouraged to take part.
Ecotrophelia, which is now in its sixth year, is open to teams of undergraduate or postgraduate students, including teams from different universities on industrial placements.
Shortlisted students will be invited to pitch on 5 June 2018 to the ‘dragons’, a distinguished panel of top food industry specialists which will include representatives from Marks & Spencer, Coca-Cola, Food Manufacture, Mondelez, PepsiCo, 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 in October 2018 at SIAL in Paris, France.
Andrew Gardner, Operations Director at IFST said: “Ecotrophelia UK provides an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their talent and gain an insight into the whole food and drink industry, from product development through to marketing and finance. They are our future food scientists and technologists and this experience will be invaluable for their careers in the industry.”
The closing date for entries is 28 March 2018. For more information, please visit http://www.ecotrophelia-uk.org.