2018's best new products revealed

Fine Food Australia, held 10–13 September in Melbourne, revealed the best new products released in the food industry over the past 12 months. Over 400 entries were judged in the 2018 Best New Product Awards, ranging from an Acai bowl mix to a slow release system designed to control airborne bacteria, mould and pathogens.

Minnie Constan, host of the awards and Event Director, said, “This year we’ve seen key trends such as health, sustainability and technology — including robotics — reflected in the new products that were entered. Although there can only be a handful of winners, these awards are a great showcase of all that is groundbreaking and innovative in our industry.”

Five products were singled out as the winners:

• Best New Retail Product: Vegetarian Shiitake Dumpling & Prawn Hargow by Tasman Foods
• Best New Hospitality Equipment Product: batch freezer ShowLab by Florentia
• Best New Bakery Product: Nuovair Professional Blast Chillers by La Nuovagel
• Best New Australian Made Product: Hum Honey Cold Fusion by Hum Honey
• Best New Foodservice Product: Native Fruit Extracts by Australian Superfood Co

Runners up across all categories included: AmazeBalls cheese by Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm, Anchor UHT Whipping Cream 12 x 1 L by Fonterra Foodservice, UC-M I Excellence glasswasher by Winterhalter, Salva Iverpan FCX20 Retarder by Vanrooy Machinery and fermented milk Good Seed Coconut Kefir by The Good Seed.