Al Ain Dairy Food Company has been announced as the first winner of the prestigious SIAL Innovation Award, for their cardamom flavoured vitamin A and D enriched milk.

The award was presented to the UAE-based company at a special gala dinner during the food exhibition SIAL Middle East which concludes today (Wednesday). The winning product was on display alongside its shortlisted competitors and 50 of the most innovative food products from around the world at the exhibition’s Trends and Innovation Observatory.

Sixteen food and beverage products were shortlisted to win the award by a jury of independent food professionals, chaired by Xavier Terlet, CEO of the global food industry consultants, XTC World Innovation. Six of those products are manufactured in the UAE.

They were selected against specific food attributes that included health aspects, taste, ethics, convenience and appearance, as well as the level of innovation involved in developing the product, including the manufacturing process and ingredients.

“I am very impressed by the quality of the innovative products presented at SIAL Middle East this year and it was extremely difficult to select the winner,” said Terlet. “All the products selected are an interesting answer to increasingly popular consumer trends and needs. In the end, Al Ain’s cardamom flavoured milk satisfy these needs the best.

“We are noticing an increase of healthy products that are more natural and well balanced, but at the same time convenient, and that still bring pleasure to the consumer. Middle East manufacturers in particular are showing how they can add value to products that can be exported to American, European and Asian markets. The SIAL Middle East Innovation Award constitutes a fantastic showpiece to be noticed by an international audience.”
Held under the strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, SIAL Middle East is part of the world’s largest network of professional food events, which include SIAL Paris, SIAL China, SIAL Canada, and SIAL Brazil.

The world’s leading family entertainment company are also participating at SIAL Middle East for the first time this year, as they look to address the growing concern for children’s nutrition.

The Walt Disney Company will be sharing their global food strategy of using its name and Disney characters on child-focused products that meet specific nutritional criteria, including limits on calories, fat and sugar.

Already widely popular across Europe and North America, Disney is looking to the Middle East as a major growth market, with SIAL Middle East as main platform with which to establish partnerships with local manufacturers of healthy kids’ food products.

Art De Maesschalck, Director of Consumer Products, FH&B, Emerging Markets, Walt Disney Company said: “The collaboration with SIAL in Europe has helped Disney grow its position as a brand of healthier food products for kids under license. Disney has the same ambition in the Middle East.

“The market offers a wealth of opportunities with leading local food companies. Disney’s first participation at SIAL Middle East will support its ambitious expansion with the licensed portfolio of healthier food products for children.”

Concluding on Wednesday 23 November at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), SIAL Middle East features 500 food and equipment manufacturers and suppliers, in addition to 14 national pavilions from Turkey, Argentina, Korea, China, Taiwan, Iran, France, Italy, Vietnam, Thailand, USA, Pakistan, Tunisia and the UAE. 70% of these companies are exhibiting for the first time in the region.

Caption: Al Ain Dairy Company has been awarded the prestigious SIAL Innovation Award, for their cardamom flavoured vitamin A and D enriched milk.
 

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