FiE 2015 draws to a close

Fi Europe has closed the doors on another three successful days.

Doehler showcased non-dairy alternatives at its stand, with offerings ranging from oat milks to rice bases for beverages. Almond ice cream was also featured. Daniela Meisenheimer says that the collection is part of the company’s plans to fulfill trends in the market, with various local tastes accounted for in the non-dairy sector. “We are also encouraging start-ups, so that we may help them with ideas and support,” she notes.

The bases can also be modified to meet varying regions’ mouth feel requirements and local customs. A soy base was also used to produce a Bailey’s liquor type product. There is more of a challenge in mixing non-dairy bases with alcohol, she points out, but the soy base does offer a very stable solution for the creamy drink.

There was a touch of indulgence over on Cemoi Group’s stand, where the French chocolatier was unveiling new products alongside its sustainable cocoa programme which launched this year.

Its new caramelised white chocolate, Dune, is inspired by the sweet delicacy dulce de leche. The blend of milk and caramel is available in a variety of formats, including liquid, drops, buttons and fillings to suit applications ranging from sauces and ganache to coatings, decoration and inclusions.

Elsewhere, Nizo Food Research and Ruitenberg were presenting functional and fibrous plant proteins which can be used in vegetarian products, fish substitutes and savoury bakery products. Available to sample at the show, incorporated into a smoothie, the fibre’s taste and texture is said to be as good as meat’s, with excellent juiciness and bite.

“We have a profound understanding of the complicated interaction between taste and texture in proteins,” says Nizo’s Fred van de Velde. “And we understand how protein functions and how it reacts when it undergoes processing. That’s where we have a head start on the rest of the world.”

The December/January issue of Food & Drink Technology will feature a more detailed review of this year’s show.