Honorable mention also went to an Almond-Granola Butter Spread and Almond Protein Smoothie in Creamsicle, Chai and Coffee flavors. Student competition participants assessed the current market for opportunities, conducted consumer research, surveyed their target audience and sampled prototypes to strengthen their concepts and refine product pitches

The Sweets & Snacks Expo announced the winners of its annual Most Innovative New Product Awards. The awards recognize the year's most innovative confectionery and snack products and honor the companies that make them.

Round two of judging for the sofi Product of the Year Award and New Product of the Year Awards will be conducted onsite at the 2023 Summer Fancy Food Show by retail and foodservice buyers. 

More than 50 food entrepreneurs, including those making products on organic and small farms, applied to the competition from across the United States.

New this year, eight of the FABI Awardees have been selected by the judges as FABI Favorites as the most groundbreaking and influential of the year. The National Restaurant Association Show brings together more restaurant and hospitality buyers and equipment manufacturers than any other industry event and will be held May 20-23, 2023, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

QUINN announced its participation in the Soil Carbon Initiative (SCI). Since 2020, QUINN has worked with Nebraska sorghum grower Steve Tucker, an SCI farmer partner, as he transitions to regenerative practices. Sorghum, a nutrient-dense and inherently sustainable crop, has been a crucial ingredient for Quinn’s supply chain since the company debuted whole-grain, gluten-free pretzels in 2016.

Seven food finalists, chosen from 114 food entrepreneur applicants, pitched their upcycled product ideas to a panel of leaders in food innovation at the Natural Products Expo West trade show.

The Award, honoring Califia Farms and Odwalla founder Greg Steltenpohl, seeks to encourage and support innovators, entrepreneurs, and change makers building a more positive, plant-centric food system.

Born out of a family recipe with Argentinian roots, La Porteña is a Portland-based, Latino-owned business that crafts locally sourced, high-quality, small-batch chimichurri. 

“These brands went above and beyond to reach their guests but also give them new and exciting products during a challenging time for restaurants and consumers alike,” said Ramon Melgarejo, global managing director of NielsenIQ BASES. “In our second year of the Menu Innovation Awards, we’re excited to include Canada in this year’s North America awards and recognize the hard work of so many great brands.”