Food innovators honored at Fi Europe Innovation Awards and Startup Challenge 2024

On 19 November 2024, industry leaders gathered in Frankfurt to celebrate achievements in food innovation at the Fi Europe Innovation Awards and Startup Challenge. The event highlighted advancements in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, honoring nine companies in various categories and showcasing the contributions of emerging startups. This year’s awards emphasized the growing commitment to transforming the global food system.

The Fi Europe Innovation Awards recognize innovation across the F&B landscape, spotlighting the individuals and organizations driving change. Entries were evaluated by a panel of experienced professionals, chaired by Professor Colin Dennis, Chair of the Board of Trustees at IFIS and the British Nutrition Foundation. Reflecting on the entries, Professor Dennis noted the challenges faced in narrowing down finalists due to the impressive scope and quality of submissions, which illustrate the rapid pace of innovation in the industry.

This year saw the introduction of four new award categories, addressing the evolving priorities of the sector: dairy alternatives, food manufacturing, future food tech, and pet food. The addition of these categories resulted in a 63% increase in submissions compared to the previous year. Over 29 finalists, ranging from startups to large-scale manufacturers, presented their innovations, culminating in a judging process on 18 November, where nominees showcased their projects in detail.

The winners of the nine awards demonstrated impactful contributions to their respective fields. In the Health Innovation category, ADM’s ES1 Bifidobacterium longum postbiotic stood out for its clear consumer benefits across multiple food applications. Sustainability was another key focus, with AAK recognized for its initiative empowering women in shea production—a program praised for its significant environmental, social, and economic impact.

In the Plant-based Innovation category, Avebe received accolades for PerfectaSOL S200, a solution addressing the challenges of maintaining coating integrity on plant-based meat and fish products. GEA Process Engineering’s RAY Plus freeze dryers earned the Food Manufacturing Award for advancing efficiency and expanding market opportunities. Meanwhile, Cargill took home two awards—one for its Indulgence Redefined confectionery alternative and another for its TruPet postbiotic solution, tailored to meet the evolving demands of pet health.

The Dairy Alternative Innovation Award was presented to Bunge for Beleaf Plantery, a versatile fat-based system designed to replace dairy fat sustainably. In the Sensory Innovation category, Novonesis impressed judges with Novamyl BestBite, an enzyme system that enhances the sensory quality of baked goods over their shelf life. Lastly, Agronutris was recognized with the Diversity & Inclusion Award for fostering equity and transparency in its governance model.

The day also marked the announcement of the winners of the Fi Europe Startup Challenge, now in its ninth year. This initiative provides a platform for emerging companies to gain exposure, attract investment, and forge connections within the global F&B ecosystem. The finalists presented their ideas during live sessions at the Innovation Hub, culminating in awards for five startups.

Perfat Technologies was awarded Most Innovative Food & Beverage Ingredient, while Fabumin earned recognition for Most Innovative Plant-Based or Alternative Ingredient. Natural Trace secured the award for Most Innovative Service or Digital Solution Supporting the F&B Industry. Yeastime’s technology garnered the award for Most Innovative Foodtech Solution, and Akoua was celebrated for its sustainable approach with the Jury's Choice award for Most Innovative Sustainable Solution.

Since its inception in 1986, Fi Europe has been a prominent platform for fostering connections and showcasing advancements in food ingredients. With a portfolio that includes live events, digital solutions, and high-level conferences, the organization has been instrumental in promoting innovation across the industry. Fi Europe’s continued focus on providing opportunities for collaboration ensures that it remains at the forefront of addressing the challenges facing today’s food systems.