Product developers know the formula for success involves two different dimensions

Prepared Foods and award sponsor Ventura Foods honor the teamwork that has led to innovative food and beverage launches during the past year.

The Spirit of Innovation (SOI) Awards are a unique opportunity to acknowledge outstanding product development teams and the innovation used to design and launch successful new products—all while providing new products and companies with priceless worldwide exposure.

Whether it’s because they’re battling a health condition, such as diabetes, or simply watching their weight, consumers are looking to avoid sugar. Meanwhile, certain sweetener alternatives have fallen out of public favor (justifiably so, or not).

Sometimes, a team has to think outside the box. Then again, there are times when a customer might ask a company to literally think outside its plant’s capabilities. Such was the case for Sandridge Food Corp., a refrigerated deli salads processor.

Each year, Prepared Foods honors the food and beverage industry’s most ground-breaking innovations, as well as the teamwork behind those products. This year’s awards, sponsored by the American Egg Board, were presented at the Prepared Foods’ New Products Conference in September and recognized a range of products--from entrees to desserts.