Food Vision 2016 preview - Cannes, France March 2-4, 2016

Trailblazers: Whey, wheatgrass and ‘zenverages’ win Unilever innovation awards

Whey-based ice cream, an organic wheatgrass supplement and a herbal relaxing drink have won the Trailblazers contest hosted by Unilever and William Reed Business Media’s Food Vision event.

After beating off stiff competition, chiefs of the three start-ups will be in Cannes, France, this week for Food Vision 2016 to gain vital industry exposure and discuss their NPD journeys from concept to commercialisation.

Jeremy Basset, founder and head of the Unilever Foundry will host an on-stage discussion with the three winners to pick their brains and their products.

Wheyhey

Wheyhey icecream founder Damien Kennedy will be present to talk through his 20 g whey, sugar-free ice cream he founded with business partner Greg Duggan in 2013.

The London-based firm sweetens its low-calorie offering with xylitol and has 4 g of fat per 150 ml tub which comes in at 149 calories.

UK distribution has been achieved in supermarkets and health food outlets, health clubs and cinemas. The firm is looking to the Middle East, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Finland and the Benelux region to grow its business.

Nutrifiz

Scottish Nutrifiz chief and founder David Hastie says his product is the world’s first effervescent wheatgrass tablet that also contains 20 vitamins and minerals.

The supplement – which comes in children’s, adult versions – Is being marketed with energy, immune support, healthy skin, hair & nails and sports recovery in mind.

It uses natural lemon extract and contains no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and has won US distribution.

Zendo

Brussels-based Zendo is a herbal relaxation drink spawned after COO Laurent Karim and business partner jacked in their stressful to pursue their own business.

Zendo was launched last year after 18 months of development and raising €225,000 from 130 investors in a capital seed effort.

The green tea and ginger-based beverage is set for commercial release this April in Belgium with other European countries to follow. It also contains L-theanine, Passiflora, magnesium and B vitamins.

"We worked in collaboration with two laboratories specialised in food development to determine the ingredients with the right effects as well as the efficiency dosages," Karim told us.

Food Vision 2016

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