Greece has won the first edition of Ecotrophelia Europe, the European competition for the creation of eco-innovative food products, held at Anuga.
Twelve teams from The Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Lithuania, Slovenia, Russia, Italy, Spain and Switzerland presented their creations, winners of their national competitions. Inspired by current consumer trends in Europe, these products take into consideration all aspects of product development (technical, sensory, packaging, industrial, regulatory, marketing, economic and trade) with realistic aims. Beginning this year and at the request of the European Commission, the competition has included the requirement of environmental responsibility thereby adding to the traditional specifications and taking into account issues such as the optimisation of raw materials and the reduction of waste processes.
Chaired this year by Michael E. Knowles, vice president of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs for the Coca Cola Company, the Judging Panel revealed the winners:
* Ecotrophelia Europe Gold awarded to the Greek team for the creation of ‘Da Vero’ : eco-seafood cold cuts. The students are from the University of Ioannina - Hellenic Open University Patra.
* Ecotrophelia Europe Silver awarded to the French team for the creation of ‘Twin Choc’: a chocolate mousse and a fondant cake in a single ready-made dessert. The students are from Bordeaux Polytechnic Institute.
* Ecotrophelia Europe Bronze for the Slovenian team for their creation ‘Crunchy Milly’ : a breakfast cereal made with millet, milk, honey, nuts, dried fruits and chocolate. The students are from the University of Ljubljana, bio- technical faculty.
At the end of the ceremony, Dominique Ladevèze, coordinator of the contest, said: ‘Our participation this year at Anuga proves Ecotrophelia Europe is becoming an essential European event in the area of food innovation. The next edition in SIAL 2012 will give us the opportunity to shine a light on the 2011 products commercialised in various European distribution networks.’
