DUBAI – September 25, 2024: Gulfood Green, ISM Middle East and Private Label Middle East – running until September 26th at Dubai World Trade Centre – continued today with recognition of the most promising F&B green start-ups, and the culmination of the Gulfood Green Terra Awards and ISM Middle East Awards.
At the Green Shoots Pitch Competition, N&E Innovations scooped the top prize of USD 50,000 after a pitch led by Sean Lew, their Head of Growth. Their concept turns food waste into a powerful antimicrobial additive through ViKang, a patented 99.9% antimicrobial agent that has no heavy metals or toxic and harsh chemicals. The prize will help support N&E Innovations to grow and develop.
Designed to spotlight and support innovative startups in the sustainable food and agriculture sector, the competition gave selected start-ups the chance to pitch to a global audience of VCs, angel investors and potential customers. Start-ups were shortlisted to pitch from over 130 food and ag-tech start-ups exhibiting in the Green Shoots Startup Zone, with the competition supported by the UAE Ministry of Economy.
Food and agtech start up angel investor, mentor and advisor Daniel Ruben was part of the judging panel, as well as giving a keynote speech on day one of the Food for Future Summit. He commented:
“To address the challenges we face, we must come together to identify and agree on the issues at hand, and whether they relate to policy, information and education, or technology and innovation – and then collaboratively find solutions. It is crucial to bring together investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, policymakers, and other stakeholders committed to building a better food system and continuing the progress already made.
The Food for Future Summit shows that there’s an authentic willingness to solve issues, because there is no greater challenge nor opportunity than food. Food is the biggest industry in the world in terms of livelihoods, and one of the biggest in terms of GDP. Food and agriculture touches everything and everyone, but it’s also a great opportunity to fix a lot of things that are wrong with the world. I’m really thrilled that Dubai, the UAE and this region are willing to invest the time and resources to try to fix food”.
Sustainability pioneers recognised
Celebrating the visionaries pushing the boundaries of sustainability in the F&B value chain, the Gulfood Green Terra Awards also culminated today, with the following companies and individuals coming out on top:
- Agricultural technology – Pure Harvest
- Agritech entreprenuer of the year – Al Muatasem Al Humaidi at Arid Seeds
- Best new planet forward product – Yalla Yum
- Best plant based startup – Xhunca
- Best sustainable packaging startegy – Cropsto
- Food waste management – Entomo
- Green foodservice industry – Lowe
- Sustainable company of the year – DP World
- Sustainability Trailblazer – Sky Kurtz at Pure Harvest
- Green food innovation award – American University of Sharjah
Best new sweets and snacks products revealed
ISM Middle East, the biggest and most dynamic confectionery and snacks event in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), saw the announcement of the winners of ISM Middle East Awards.
Venus Biskuvi San ve picked up Best Bakery Product for its Flatzel Seasoned Pretzel Thins, Powermints GmbH won in Best Hard and Soft Candy for its Compass Intense, Lee Chocolate scooped Best Chocolate Product for its kunafa chocolate, and Bronte Dolci Srl was awarded Best Healthy Snack Product for its Pistachio Protein Cream. Best Organic Product went to Laci Ltd for its Quince-Raspberry Energy Bar, Best Traditional Product to Alko Confectionery for its Freeze Dried Turkish Delight, and Guylian scooped Best Brand Story.
About Gulfood Green
Gulfood Green is an indispensable global platform for the entire food ecosystem to exchange on technology, regulations, practices, solutions and changes in consumer food culture. The overarching goal is to achieve sustainability in all its dimensions: from farmers, to supply chains, food production, mindful consumption and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and smart agriculture.
The event will fast-track the sharing of emerging, innovative concepts and products, and offer insights into alternative ways to produce, trade and consume food. This encompasses ethical sourcing, clean label products, green packaging, plant-forward food production and consumption, and waste reduction across the supply chain. Gulfood Green is a platform for startups and investors to connect, collaborate and delve into the latest innovations shaping the industry. FoodTech and AgriTech startups will have invaluable opportunities to explore, create and gain insights driving the future of food technology.
About ISM Middle East
ISM Middle East is the region’s largest trade fair for sweets and snacks, connecting visitors with the most influential brands in the industry and giving them the opportunity to discover the latest products and innovations.
About Private Label Middle East
Private Label Middle East is MENA’s only event where buyers can get straight to the source for cost-effective customisable products, branding & packaging solutions, bringing together food & and non-food suppliers, private label & contract manufacturers from over 40+ countries across the globe, all conveniently located under one roof.
Taking place only once a year, the three-day event is endorsed by over 7,500+ visitors from over 88 countries worldwide with some of the biggest names in the region; Amazon, Carrefour, Aldi, Nazih Group, Doubletree by Hilton, Lulu Hypermarkets, Emirates Airlines, Landmark Group, Aster Pharmacy, and many more, making it the only event of its kind for Private Labeling and contract manufacturing.
