Ecotrophelia finalists prepare for the final round
Five teams have been shortlisted to face a panel of industry ‘dragons’ in the Ecotrophelia UK final.
Now in its fifth year, Ecotrophelia challenges teams of UK students to develop an innovative, eco-friendly food and drink product.
The competition this year has seen more teams than ever compete for a place in the final and a chance to win the £3,500 prize fund. A panel of food expert judges carefully assessed the entrants before picking the final five.
Bertrand Emond, head of membership and training at Campden BRI, says, “It’s fantastic to see so many young people engage with this competition and put forward such innovative products. Last year’s winning team went on to win bronze prize in the European final with their algae based iced dessert so we have high hopes for the teams again this year.”
After much deliberation, a panel of new product development experts has selected the five finalist teams’ products:
- Colipop: A cauliflower based savoury snack that uses advanced techniques in tunnel drying systems to create crunchy cauliflower bites without the need of frying – University of West London
- Lagom Veg: Dried spiralised vegetables infused with chilli and lemongrass that makes infused ‘spaghetti’ when hot water is added – Nottingham Trent University
- Yasai Caulirice Sushi: Sushi style rolls that combine crunchy cauliflower rice with fresh tasting vegetables – University of Reading
- Chocolate Strawberry Torte Donut: A baked cacao donut that has been dipped in dark chocolate, sprinkled with freeze dried strawberry pieces and topped with a dairy-free white chocolate drizzle – University of Reading
- Windfall Fruit Jelly: natural jelly desserts made without gelatine and suitable for vegans. Made from fruit juice, no added sugar or preservatives from fruit which would normally be wasted – London Metropolitan University
The finalists will pitch their products on 6 June and the winner will be announced on 7 June at Campden BRI day.
The judges will be senior food experts from across industry including Marks and Spencer, Coca-Cola, Unilever, PepsiCo, Mondelez, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Warburtons, Institute of Food Science and Technology and Campden BRI.
The winner will go on to represent the UK and compete against 19 other European national teams at the Ecotrophelia European final at Food Matters Live in London in November 2017.
