Shortlist announced for the 2012 Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards

The Food and Drink Forum, organisers of the 2012 Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards have unveiled the names of the shortlisted candidates in the running to receive an accolade.

The candidates include businesses and universities around the East Midlands.

The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony at Athena in Leicester on November 15th, hosted by comedian Ian Moore.

Food and Drink iNet director Richard Worrall said: “We had a record number of entries this year to the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards, which reflects the exciting research, development and business growth going on in the East Midlands food and drink sector.

“We are looking forward to hosting the awards ceremony, which has become one of the highlights of the calendar for the industry in the region. I am sure it will be inspirational to hear about the very different forms that innovation can take.”

This year there are four categories in the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards – with the overall winner being named Campden BRI Innovation Champion 2012.

The shortlisted nominations are as follows:

The Clegg Food Projects Ltd Most Innovative Business Growth Award

• Dovedale Foods Ltd, St John Street, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, with a production unit at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham. The firm has been shortlisted for its creation of Agile Manufacturing (a term applied to an organisation that has created the processes, tools, and training to enable it to respond quickly to customer needs and market changes while still controlling costs and quality) to support the scaling up of manufacture of Dovedale's Sauces for Choice brand, with capacity to offer short-run production to other local small enterprises struggling with the capacity requirements of larger contract manufacturers.

• Original Recipes, Boythorpe Business Park, Dock Walk, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The firm has used an old recipe and given it a modern twist to create Granny Mary’s Finest Potted Beef, and has used the same ethos to drive the company’s project growth by getting chosen as one of the final 18 in the new BBC3 series Be Your Own Boss. This gives the firm the opportunity to broaden contacts and experience, enabling the maximisation of marketing and promotion of the business in a relatively short period of time.

  • The Bottle Kicking Cider Company, Hallaton, Market Harborough, Leicestershire. The company has been shortlisted for the conversion of metallised bags, previously used in the wine industry, to enable creation of a draught real cider that fulfils the CAMRA criteria, that can be stored and used from the bag whilst keeping the airtight vacuum to prevent spoilage and improve shelf life.

The Nottingham Trent University Most Innovative New Product Development Award

• Moonshine Drinks Ltd, Fairview Court, West Bridgford, Nottingham. The enterprise has developed a revolutionary home brew system to create quality real ales by simply adding tap water into the unique laminated bag to achieve ABV of 4%+.

• The Gourmet Spice Company, Kettering Road, Weldon, Northamptonshire. The firm has been shortlisted for challenging traditional flavour delivery techniques to create flavour combinations that are both innovative and exciting. This has enabled Gourmet Spice to develop products that deliver multi-sensory experiences.

• Xcel Milk Nutrition Ltd, Coton Road, Walton on Trent, Derbyshire. The company has been shortlisted for the development of a unique fresh milk-based post-exercise drink, after working with sports nutrition experts and applying existing research in sports recovery.

Most Innovative Positive Impact Award

• Deli Continental Ltd, Pintail Close, Victoria Business Park, Netherfield, Nottingham. This project focused on achieving the very best nutritional values in Deli Continental’s pizza bases, initially with salt reduction, whilst ensuring the authenticity of their artisan production methods. Collaboration with the University of Nottingham has resulted in a product that has already raised interest with local county council schools.

• Lindhurst Innovation Engineers, Midland Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. Founded on anaerobic digestion, the H2AD technology that Lindhurst has developed in collaboration with the University of Nottingham and Arla Foods is based around a microbial food cell that allows bacteria in food waste to digest quicker and produce a hydrogen rich biogas.

• Nutbrook Brewery, Hallam Way, West Hallam, Derbyshire. The company has invested in a wind turbine and some solar panels to create electricity for the brewery and to reduce controllable costs whilst having a positive impact on the environment and the firm’s carbon footprint. Nutbrook Brewery hopes to also inspire other small businesses to follow suit and embrace the benefits of environmental responsibility.

Most Innovative Collaboration Award

• Biopolymer Solutions Ltd, Sutton Bonington Campus of the University of Nottingham, near Loughborough, Leicestershire. Research at the University of Nottingham discovered that the properties of xanthan gum could be changed by extrusion cooking. Collaboration between the University of Nottingham and Biopolymer Solutions has enabled funding to support the ongoing trials into the range of applications of the new material, hydraxan, which reduces issues of poor xanthan dispersion.

• Just Egg Ltd, Hilltop Road, Hamilton Industrial Park, Leicester. By working in collaboration with the University of Leicester, with support from the Food and Drink iNet, Just Egg has been exploring a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable way of disposing of the firm’s egg shell waste. The company is now well on its way to using the egg shells in the reformulation of plastic to make recycled packaging to protect their egg-based products.

• The University of Northampton and the University of Nottingham. This collaboration of the Universities of Northampton and Nottingham with Stichelton Dairy in north Nottinghamshire focused on the aroma development and influence of secondary microflora in blue cheese production to enable an understanding of the variants that can influence the consistency of cheese production.

Tickets are now on sale for the ceremony to present the Innovation Awards, which are being held for the fifth year, and which recognise and reward the brightest ideas in the East Midlands’ food and drink sector.

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands.

It has developed an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs.

It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by The Food and Drink Forum and including Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information about the iNet visit www.foodanddrink-inet.org.uk Tickets for the Innovation Awards cost £69.50 plus vat per person, with discounts for members of the Food and Drink Forum, and are available by contacting the events team on 0115 9758810.

Some sponsoring, table hosting and exhibiting opportunities are still available for the event. Contact the events team for details.

www.foodanddrink-inet.org.uk

Issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Days left to enter 2012 Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards

The East Midlands’ most forward-thinking food and drink manufacturers and researchers are being urged to get their entries in for the 2012 Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards.

August 17th 2012 is the deadline for the awards, which are free to enter and recognise and reward the brightest ideas in the region’s food and drink sector.

Last year’s award winners and short-listed candidates received valuable promotion for their innovations.

The overall winner, which was named the Campden BRI Innovation Champion 2011, was a team from the University of Leicester Space Research Centre, who applied space technology to allow the detection of counterfeit whisky through the bottle and without having to open it.

“We’ve had some really exciting entries to our Innovation Awards in the past, and we’re looking forward to hearing about the latest innovations in the sector across the East Midlands,” said Food and Drink iNet director Richard Worrall.

Being held for the fifth year, the awards recognise and reward the use of innovation in the region’s food and drink sector as a way of boosting development, profitability and growth.

There are four award categories this year – Business Growth Award, the Nottingham Trent University New Product Development Award, the Positive Impact Award, and the Collaboration Award.

Winners of all categories will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony and gala dinner in November before one of the winners is crowned Campden BRI Innovation Champion 2012.

Entries are being invited from companies, researchers and individuals across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

Forms are available to download from the iNet section of the Food and Drink Forum website www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk and need to be submitted by August 17th 2012.

A range of sponsorship opportunities are also available, including award categories, table hosting and exhibition space, which will provide valuable promotion in front of food and drink professionals from across the East Midlands.

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands.

It has developed an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs. It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by The Food and Drink Forum and including Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham.

It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information about the iNet visit www.foodanddrink-inet.org.uk

For further information about the Innovation Awards or sponsorship opportunities call 0115 9758810.

Issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

2012 Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards launched

The search for the brightest ideas in the East Midlands food and drink sector has started with the launch of the 2012 Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards.

Being held for the fifth year, the awards recognise and reward the use of innovation in the region’s food and drink sector as a way of boosting development, profitability and growth.

They will turn the spotlight on outstanding inventions or products, exceptional creativity, and innovative working practices in the industry across the East Midlands.

There are four categories this year – business growth, new product development, positive impact, and collaboration. Winners of all categories will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony and gala dinner in November before one of the winners is crowned Campden BRI Innovation Champion 2012.

Last year’s category winners included Nottingham Bakery Butt Foods, which won the Most Innovative Food and Drink Business for introducing new practices which generated a 40% growth in sales, and Lincolnshire company Libaeration, which was named Most Innovative Business Supplying into the Food and Drink Sector for its development of the world’s first alcoholic foam used to enhance coffee, desserts and cocktails.

The Campden BRI Innovation Champion 2011 was a team from the University of Leicester Space Research Centre.

 Having scooped the award for Most Innovative Research Project, it went on to be crowned overall innovation champion for its application of space technology to detect fake whisky – without having to open the bottle.

News of the research and its potential for fighting the war against counterfeit whisky, wine and other liquids has since spread worldwide and could have wider applications, possibly transferring into areas such as airport security.

Now the hunt has begun for this year’s winners across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

Food and Drink iNet director Richard Worrall said: “Our annual innovation awards, which are free to enter, have previously showcased and celebrated some really exciting and progressive projects in the food and drink sector within businesses and the universities. They illustrate the vibrant nature of the industry in the region, at a time of tough economic conditions. I am sure this year’s entries will be just as interesting.

“The Food and Drink Innovation Awards have become an important date on the sector’s calendar and an excellent opportunity to recognise and reward work being carried out in the East Midlands.”

He urged all eligible firms and organisations to put themselves forward so that they were in contention for the kind of exposure gained by the University of Leicester team. Forms are available to download from the iNet section of the Food and Drink Forum website http://www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk/and need to be submitted by August 17th 2012.

A range of sponsorship opportunities are also available, including award categories and table sponsorship, which will provide valuable promotion in front of food and drink professionals from across the East Midlands.

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. It has developed an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs.

It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by The Food and Drink Forum and including Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information about the iNet visit http://www.foodanddrink-inet.org.uk/

For further information about the Innovation Awards or sponsorship opportunities call 0115 9758810.

Issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/

Winners announced in the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2011

A pioneering method to detect fake whisky through the bottle using space technology has been crowned the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Champion 2011.

Developed by The University of Leicester Space Research Centre, the technology was described by the judges as ‘a fascinating project that has huge potential for the food and drink sector’.

“Since news of the research was released earlier this year it has created interest around the world. Not only does it have great potential for fighting the war against counterfeit whisky, wine and other liquids, it also has the potential to transfer to other areas such as airport security,” they said. “It is wonderful to see such ground-breaking research being carried out in the East Midlands which will have such important implications for the food and drink sector.”

As well as receiving the Campden BRI-sponsored Innovation Champion 2011 award, The University of Leicester team, who developed the technology in association with university spin-out company Perpetuity Group, had earlier in the evening also been awarded the title of Most Innovative Research Project.

The accolade for Most Innovative Food and Drink Business went to Nottingham bakery manufacturer Butt Foods, for the way it had shown application and drive by introducing innovative business practices that had achieved 40% sales growth in six months.

The judges said: “The company has demonstrated innovative business practices by giving back to their customers. It has become an example to others of how innovation can impact on business performance.”

Lincolnshire company Libaeration, from Butterwick near Boston, was given the title of Most Innovative Business Supplying into the Food and Drink Sector for the development of the world’s first alcoholic foam. The foam, which is used to enhance coffee, desserts, cocktails and other drinks, is expected to have a wide impact on the bar, catering and hospitality trades as well as drink manufacturers and packaging manufacturers.

The judges said: “This is a new product that has tremendous export potential. It could be huge, as there’s potential for the technology to be applied to other products too.”

The awards were presented by TV presenter, writer and food critic Jay Rayner in front of around 100 guests from across the East Midlands and beyond at a ceremony at Nottingham Conference Centre, Burton Street, Nottingham.

Organised by the Food and Drink iNet, the Innovation Awards aimed to recognise and reward the most exciting ways that businesses and organisations had introduced innovation.

“This is the fourth year we have held the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards and once again we have had a really exciting batch of winners,” said Food and Drink iNet director Richard Worrall.

“This demonstrates the world-beating innovations in the food and drink sector that are being developed in the East Midlands. The shortlisted candidates have shown that innovation takes many different forms, and I hope it inspires others to think about ways that innovation could be introduced into their own organisations.”

Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. It has developed an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs.

It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by The Food and Drink Forum and including Quotec Ltd (formerly Food Processing Faraday), Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

Issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Shortlist announced for the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2011

Organisers of the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2011 have unveiled the names of the shortlisted East Midlands companies and universities that are in the running to receive a top accolade.

The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony and dinner at Nottingham Conference Centre, Burton Street, Nottingham, on November 17th where food critic Jay Rayner will be the guest speaker.

More than 100 guests are expected at the event, which has now become a regular date on the calendar for the food and drink sector across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

“This is the fourth year we have held the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards and once again we had an exciting batch of entries, which demonstrates that innovation in the sector is thriving in the East Midlands,” said Food and Drink iNet director Richard Worrall.

“I am very pleased to see such an interesting range of projects in the shortlist, as it illustrates the different forms that innovation can take.”

This year’s Innovation Awards, which are designed to recognise and reward the most exciting developments in the region’s food and drink sector, feature three different categories - Most Innovative Food and Drink Business, Most Innovative Business Supplying into the Food and Drink Sector and Most Innovative Research Project.

The overall Food and Drink iNet Innovation Champion will be chosen from the winners of the three categories.

The shortlisted nominations are:

Most Innovative Food and Drink Business

• Gourmet Spice Company, Weldon, Northamptonshire
Using an experimental approach, the company has developed a range of unique spice blends, infused oils and vinegars, and flavoured salts and sugars, using interesting and exciting ingredients such as rose petals, pomegranate and pure cacao. This has helped to grow the business, which is now seeing early interest from some of the large multiple retailers.

• Butt Foods Ltd, Lenton Industrial Estate, Nottingham
The speciality bakery producer has achieved 40% sales growth and increased profitability within six months after initiating a range of innovative ideas to improve sales and develop new products. This
has included employing a growth coach, a bakery coach, staging innovation days with customers, holding in-depth interviews with customers about what they want and their challenges, and launching a service to customers to help them solve their bakery problems. As a result, Butt Foods has just launched two new flat breads into a UK multiple retailer, a fruit bread with two major food distributors, two new roll products with a national pub chain and a hot eating roll into a nationwide school supplier.

• The Country Victualler, Winkburn near Newark, Nottinghamshire
As the company, which produces fine hams, pates, terrines, smoked poultry and Christmas puddings, approached its 40th anniversary, it underwent a re-brand that reflected its impressive heritage but brought the business up to date. It used a small budget and although only recent, the re-brand is already bringing results with several new accounts, and existing customers increasing the range of products and packaging sizes that they stock. It marked the first of a number of innovations that the company is introducing, including exploring the use of social media and new product development to help the business develop in the 21st century.

Most Innovative Business Supplying into the Food and Drink Sector

• Libaeration Ltd, Butterwick, Boston, Lincolnshire
Specialising in edible foams for the food and drink industry, Libaeration has developed the world’s first alcoholic foam, which can be added to cocktails, drinks, coffees and desserts. To date this innovative product concept has been licensed to one global brand, the Dutch distiller Lucas Bols. It has been launched in Europe with plans to launch in the USA and around the world as soon as possible. It is expected to have a wide impact on the bar, catering and hospitality trades as well as drink manufacturers and packaging manufacturers. It is also making molecular mixology available to the general public.

• MCE Engineering Ltd, Empire Business Park, Derby
The specialist sheetmetal work and engineering company developed The Little Cheesery, which it believes is the smallest self-sufficient fully hygienic cheese-making facility in the world. Housing its own integrated washroom and the equipment needed to make cheese, the mobile unit was created to help farmers and others explore the feasibility of making their own cheese, either as a diversity project or a new enterprise. In the first two months of launching, it has received positive feedback and the company hopes to sell five units in the first year and add 12.5% to its current turnover and employ two more staff.

• Sherwood Press, Bilborough, Nottingham
The company developed the fully compostable, fully biodegradable Pura® range of environmental, sustainable food packaging which features Pura® barrier coating technology – created by Sherwood Press and Sun Chemical. This is an aqueous coating that has replaced the need for plastic or PE (polyethylene) coated board and greatly increases sustainable packaging for the ‘on the go’ food market. The company has achieved around £1 million in sales of its Pura® environmental food packaging.

Most Innovative Research Project

• The University of Leicester Space Research Centre
Working with University of Leicester spin out company Perpetuity Group, researchers in the Space Research Centre have invented a unique and simple way of detecting counterfeit whisky through the bottle based on space technology. The Scotch whisky industry estimates that the six leading producers lose more than £500m pa through counterfeit crime. The researchers then worked with de Montfort University’s design department to develop a handheld device for testing the authenticity of the contents of bottled drinks. A market launch is expected within months. The technology could be used in the future to detect other counterfeit liquids

• Nottingham Trent University School of Science and Technology
In association with the University of Lincoln Holbeach Campus, researchers in the Nanoscience Laboratory have developed an easy-to-use, bacteria-killing spray that coats kitchen surfaces and food processing equipment. It uses cutting edge nano and biomimetic technology, and is expected to have significant impact on the increase of food shelf life due to reduced spoilage rates, reduction of product wastage, improvement of the efficiency in food production and supply chain processes, a reduction of consumer complaints and an improvement of public health. The technology has the potential to transfer into health care, fuel transport and energy applications

• Nottingham Trent University School of Science and Technology
Researchers have developed a method of detecting offal that’s been added fraudulently to raw and cooked processed meat and products. The team has also developed monoclonal antibodies to detect undeclared blood proteins in meat products. The researchers are already working with major food retailers, manufacturers, enforcement agencies and suppliers - and food testing companies are directing customers to them. Since meat products hold a substantial share of the global food market and since a small in-house survey has revealed that offals and blood are being added to meat products without being declared, the researchers predict their business will expand in the future. Two patents have been filed for the techniques.

Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. It has developed an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs.

It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by The Food and Drink Forum and including Quotec Ltd (formerly Food Processing Faraday), Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

Issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Last few days to enter Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2011

Firms, researchers and individuals in the East Midlands have just a few days left to enter this year’s Food and Drink iNet (Innovation Network) Innovation Awards.

Entries for the awards, which celebrate new products, new ways of working and new developments in the region’s food and drink sector, close on September 30th 2011.

Winners will be announced at an awards dinner at Nottingham Conference Centre, Burton Street, Nottingham, on November 17th where food critic Jay Rayner will be the guest speaker.

“The Innovation Awards are being held for the fourth year and have become a popular event on the calendar of the food and drink sector in the East Midlands,” said Food and Drink iNet director Richard Worrall.

“We’ve had some really interesting entries in past years, and I’m looking forward to seeing details of the latest developments and innovations when we start the judging process. I would urge any firm, research team or individual who has been involved in some kind of innovation in the industry in the region to consider entering the awards – it’s free to do so and it could lead to some great exposure.”

Entries are being invited from across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

Previous winners have included the development of a new material for food and drink packaging that featured non-leaching and antimicrobial properties, the invention of modified salt crystals to create a more intense flavour from less salt and thus allow a reduction in salt used in manufacturing, and the development of a sweet-tasting broccoli.

The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards have three categories open to firms, organisations and individuals working across the food and drink sector. They are - Most Innovative Food and Drink Business, Most Innovative Business Supplying into the Food and Drink Sector and Most Innovative Research Project.

The Campden BRI Innovation Champion 2011 will be chosen from the winner of the three categories.

Entries need to be submitted by September 30th. Forms are available to download from the iNet section of the Food and Drink Forum website www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk.

Tickets to the awards ceremony cost £65 plus vat each or £650 plus vat for a table of ten, and are available by calling 0115 9758810.

Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four iNets, it has developed an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs.

It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by The Food and Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food


Issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Tickets go on sale for Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2011

Tickets have now gone on sale for the Food and Drink iNet (Innovation Network) Innovation Awards ceremony.

Guest speaker for the event, held at Nottingham Conference Centre, Burton Street, Nottingham, on November 17th will be food critic Jay Rayner.

The winners of the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2011 will be announced at the ceremony, which has now become a regular date on the calendar of the food and drink sector in the East Midlands – attracting guests from across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

“The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards ceremony is an excellent chance to keep up to date with the latest innovations in the sector and to network with others in the industry,” said Food and Drink iNet director Richard Worrall.

The Innovation Awards, which are being held for the fourth year, aim to reward some of the most exciting innovations in the East Midlands food and drink industry.

Previous winners have included the development of a new material for food and drink packaging that featured non-leaching and antimicrobial properties, the invention of modified salt crystals to create a more intense flavour from less salt and thus allow a reduction in salt used in manufacturing, and the development of a sweet-tasting broccoli.

They have gained a string of benefits after scooping an accolade in the annual awards including media exposure, raised profiles in the industry and the chance to network with those who work in the sector.

The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards have three categories open to firms, organisations and individuals working across the food and drink sector. They are - Most Innovative Food and Drink Business, Most Innovative Business Supplying into the Food and Drink Sector and Most Innovative Research Project.

The Campden BRI Innovation Champion 2011 will be chosen from the winner of the three categories.

Entries need to be submitted by September 30th. Forms are available to download from the iNet section of the Food and Drink Forum website www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk.

Tickets to the awards ceremony cost £65 plus vat each or £650 plus vat for a table of ten, and are available by calling 0115 9758810.

Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four iNets, it has developed an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs.

It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by The Food and Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food

Issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2011 call for entries

Organisers of this year’s Food and Drink iNet (Innovation Network) Innovation Awards are reminding firms, individuals and researchers connected to the East Midlands food and drink sector that entries close in a month.

Previous winners have gained a string of benefits after scooping an accolade in the annual awards including media exposure, raised profiles in the industry and the chance to network with those who work in the sector.

Food critic Jay Rayner, who is perhaps best known for his Observer food column, will be the guest speaker at the Innovation Awards ceremony, which will be held on November 17th at Nottingham Conference Centre, Burton Street, Nottingham.

Being held for the fourth year, the Innovation Awards aim to reward some of the most exciting innovations in the East Midlands food and drink industry.

Previous winners have included the development of a new material for food and drink packaging that featured non-leaching and antimicrobial properties, the invention of modified salt crystals to create a more intense flavour from less salt and thus allow a reduction in salt used in manufacturing, and the development of a sweet-tasting broccoli.

Now the hunt is on across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland for entries to the 2011 awards, which need to be in by September 30th.

The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards have three categories open to firms, organisations and individuals working across the food and drink sector. They are - Most Innovative Food and Drink Business, Most Innovative Business Supplying into the Food and Drink Sector and Most Innovative Research Project.

The Campden BRI Innovation Champion 2011 will be chosen from the winner of the three categories.

“In previous years we’ve had some really interesting winners, and we’re looking forward to this year’s entries,” said Food and Drink iNet director Richard Worrall. “We want to celebrate the different ways that food and drink firms are innovating and the exciting research that’s being carried out in the region.”

Forms to enter the Innovation Awards are available to download from the iNet section of the Food and Drink Forum website www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk.

Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four iNets, it has developed an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs.

It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by The Food and Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food

Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2011 speaker announced

Food critic Jay Rayner has been unveiled as the speaker for this year’s Food and Drink iNet (Innovation Network) Innovation Awards.

The journalist, broadcaster and TV presenter, who is perhaps best known for his Observer food column, will be the guest speaker at the event in November.

Being held for the fourth year, the Innovation Awards aim to reward some of the most exciting innovations in the East Midlands food and drink industry.

Previous winners have included the development of a new material for food and drink packaging that featured non-leaching and antimicrobial properties, the invention of modified salt crystals to create a more intense flavour from less salt and thus allow a reduction in salt used in manufacturing, and the development of a sweet-tasting broccoli.

Now the hunt has just begun across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland for entries to the 2011 awards.

The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards have three categories open to firms, organisations and individuals working across the food and drink sector. They are - Most Innovative Food and Drink Business, Most Innovative Business Supplying into the Food and Drink Sector and Most Innovative Research Project.

The Campden BRI Innovation Champion 2011 will be chosen from the winner of the three categories.

“We are delighted to have secured Jay Rayner as our guest speaker at the 2011 Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards, “ said Food and Drink iNet director Richard Worrall. “Jay regularly pops up on Masterchef, is on the daytime cookery show Eating with the Enemy and sits on the panel of judges for American show Top Chef Masters.

“I am sure he will be a very interesting and insightful after dinner speaker at our event.”

It has also been announced that this year’s awards ceremony will take place on November 17th at Nottingham Conference Centre, Burton Street, Nottingham.

Last year’s ceremony attracted guests from across the sector – representing manufacturers, distributors, retailers and those involved in teaching, research and development in the food and drink industry.
Forms to enter the Innovation Awards are available to download from the iNet section of the Food and Drink Forum website www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk.

“We have had some exciting innovations and inventions put forward for the awards in previous years, and are looking forward to hearing details about the latest developments,” added Richard Worrall.

Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four iNets, it has developed an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs.

It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by The Food and Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food


Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2011 launched

The search for the most exciting developments in the East Midlands food and drink sector has begun with the announcement of the launch of the 2011 Food and Drink iNet (Innovation Network) Innovation Awards.

Being held for the fourth year, the awards recognise and reward the use of innovation in the food and drink sector in the region as a way of boosting development, profitability or growth.

They will turn the spotlight on outstanding inventions or products, exceptional creativity, and innovative working practices in the industry across the East Midlands.

Last year’s category winners included a company that modified salt crystals to create a more intense flavour from less salt and thus allow a reduction in salt used in manufacturing, a firm that developed a range of fruit-based salsas, a brewery that created a centrifuge process more commonly used in the wine industry to manufacture fresh beer in a bottle, which is neither filtered nor pasteurised, and a food and drink distributor that developed the UK’s first overnight temperature controlled parcel delivery network aimed at small, niche producers.

The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Champion – chosen from all the category winners - was fish and chip shop Fairfield Plaice in Buxton, Derbyshire, which won the award for the way in which it had introduced the latest environmentally friendly techniques to a traditional business. Its efforts included installing a dramatically more efficient frying range, using recyclable packaging and buying fish from sustainable sources and chips from a firm that uses recycled waste water.

Success at the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards has helped the firm to grow, said owner Carl Heery.

“After winning at the Innovation Awards in 2010 we went on to also win a fish and chip industry award in January,” he said. “The awards all generated publicity for us and show people we are doing our bit for the environment. People come in and say ‘we have seen you in the paper’.

“A lot of industries are struggling because of the recession but we are significantly up on this time last year and the awards have played a factor in that.”

Now the hunt has begun for this year’s worthy winners across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

Food and Drink iNet director Richard Worrall said: “Over the past few years we have seen some very exciting developments in the food and drink sector that have been put forward for our annual innovation awards. They represent the vibrant nature of the industry that we have in the region, and I am sure this year’s entries will be just as interesting.

“I am delighted to announce that the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards will be held again this year. They have become an important date on the sector’s calendar and an excellent opportunity to recognise and reward the innovative work that’s being carried out in the East Midlands.

“I would urge eligible firms and organisations to put themselves forward, and they too could receive similar benefits to those gained by last year’s champion Fairfield Plaice.”

The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards have three categories open to firms, organisations and individuals working across the food and drink sector. Entries are now being invited for Most Innovative Food and Drink Business, Most Innovative Business Supplying into the Food and Drink Sector and Most Innovative Research Project.

The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Champion 2011 will be chosen from the winner of the three categories.

The Innovation Awards will culminate in an award ceremony in November, where the winners will be crowned in front of their industry peers.

Forms will be available to download from the iNet section of the Food and Drink Forum website www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk.

Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four iNets, it has developed an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs.

It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by The Food and Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food



Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk

Winners announced in the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010

presenter, actor and weatherman Des Coleman, Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick, Sarah Palmer and Carl Heery, who run Fairfield Plaice, Fiona Anderson, managing director of the award sponsors the Food and Drink Forum, and journalist and presenter John Sergeant

A Derbyshire fish and chip shop which made huge strides in improving its environmental credentials has been crowned The Food and Drink Forum Innovation Champion 2010 in The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards.

Fairfield Plaice in Buxton introduced a range of environmentally friendly initiatives including installing a dramatically more efficient frying range, using recyclable packaging and buying fish from sustainable sources and chips from a firm that uses recycled waste water.

Now the company has been rewarded by receiving the top accolade at The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010, presented at an awards ceremony and dinner supported by Derby College at The Roundhouse, Pride Park, Derby, and hosted by journalist John Sergeant and weather presenter Des Coleman.

The judges said: “When choosing the overall winner we were looking for the entry that stands out as having the wow factor. After much deliberation and discussion the Innovation Champion has been awarded to Fairfield Plaice for the way in which it has taken a traditional industry and turned it on its head to become one of the first environmentally friendly fish and chip shops in the UK.”

Fairfield Plaice, run by Carl Heery, also took the Nottingham Trent University Award for Most Innovative Business in the Wider Food Sector jointly with Cookies of Oakham, Rutland.

Of Cookies, a sandwich bar and catering company which diversified to develop a range of fruit-based sauces, the judges said: “The new products developed by Cookies of Oakham are very different from what the company typically manufactures. The company covered all bases including completing detailed product and market research in order to give their products the best possible chance of success”

Of Fairfield Plaice, the judges said: “We liked the way this project effectively combined a reduction in running costs with working towards the green agenda. It was very innovative for a fish and chip takeaway to embrace the effect they have on the environment and incorporate new thinking and policies into their business.”

University of Lincoln Award for Most Innovative Small to Medium Sized Food and Drink Manufacturer was presented to Thornbridge Brewery, Bakewell, Derbyshire.

The judges praised the brewery for the way in which it employed a centrifuge process more commonly used in the wine industry to manufacture fresh beer in a bottle, which is neither filtered nor pasteurised, saying: “We were pleased to see a previous category winner in the Innovation Awards still innovating and creating opportunity for themselves. Using a cross sector approach has given the company commercial advantage which they have used to bring a new dimension to a very traditional industry.”


Food Processing Faraday Award for Most Innovative Large Food and Drink Manufacturer went to British Sugar, Newark, Nottinghamshire, which used the widely acclaimed and well researched thinking system called Go MAD at its Newark site to enhance its business performance. The training programme, positioned as a business improvement, was integrated within the factory strategy rather than an isolated training scheme, providing employees with a flexible structure that enables them to develop thinking and problem solving in an easy to understand and practical way. The programme allowed employees to achieve greater clarity of thinking, increased speed of thinking, improved creative thinking and consistency in achieving personal and business goals.

The judges said: “We were pleased to see a large, well established business using innovative and new tools to develop their staff as well as deliver bottom line benefits. We were impressed by the commitment of all the team at Newark - top to bottom - to new thinking.”

Campden BRI Award for Most Innovative Business Across the Food and Drink Supply Chain was presented to Fresh Logistics, based at East Midlands Airport, Castle Donington. The firm of chilled parcel couriers identified a gap in the market to provide a service for food manufacturers looking to distribute small quantities of high quality products requiring careful handling and temperature controlled conditions. In response, the company created a bespoke network which caters to the needs of small craft producers bringing together the best food from around the UK and delivering it safely and securely. The service includes the UK’s first overnight temperature controlled parcel delivery network.

The judges commented: “We liked the fact that in developing an innovative solution to a real business need, Fresh Logistics managed to reduce the environmental impact and to cut down on waste. We were also impressed by Fresh Logistics’ plans to continue to innovate in the future.”

CenFRA Award for Most Innovative Research Project went to eminate Ltd based at BioCity, Nottingham, for the successful manipulation of salt crystals that resulted in the development of a new ingredient for the food industry known as Soda-Lo. Soda-Lo enables a reduction in salt use of between 25 and 50 percent across a wide range of food products. This has been achieved by altering the size, form and structure of salt particles in order to increase their saltiness, thereby reducing the amount of salt needed to achieve the same flavour profile.

The judges said: “We were impressed by this research project as it has provided a new product that can reduce the salt use in the food sector. We also feel that there could be a national need for this type of product specifically in addressing key issues facing the food sector such as the health agenda.”

Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick said: “I’d like to congratulate all the very worthy winners in the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010, who illustrate the diverse and exciting range of innovation opportunities that are being developed in the East Midlands.”

Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four regional iNets, it has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs.

The Food and Drink iNet also aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes. It is managed by a consortium, led by The Food and Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food

http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/

Shortlist unveiled for the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010

Organisers of the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010 have revealed the short-listed East Midlands firms and research teams that are in the running to receive an accolade.

The awards are designed to recognise and reward the most exciting developments in the region’s food and drink sector. Being held for a third year, they celebrate the uptake and implementation of innovation in the sector.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony and dinner supported by Derby College at The Roundhouse, Pride Park, Derby, on November 25th.

Co-hosts journalist John Sergeant and weather presenter Des Coleman will be revealing the winners of the five award categories, plus The Food and Drink Forum Innovation Champion 2010.

The short-listed entrants for each category are:


• University of Lincoln Award for Most Innovative Small to Medium Sized Food and Drink Manufacturer

AB Produce, Measham, Derbyshire –

The potato and prepared vegetable supplier used advanced mathematical modelling techniques to improve yields, reduce waste and make thousands of pounds worth of savings.

Taste of the Moorlands, Warslow, near Hartington, Derbyshire -

The bakery is using the latest smart phone technology to connect itself with consumers of its biscuits and tarts, and is championing the use of smart tags on food packaging which, when scanned, link the consumer to a video message from the producer.

Thornbridge Brewery, Bakewell, Derbyshire -

The brewery employed a centrifuge process more commonly used in the wine industry to manufacture fresh beer in a bottle, which is neither filtered nor pasteurised.

•  Food Processing Faraday Award for Most Innovative Large Food and Drink Manufacturer

British Sugar, Newark, Nottinghamshire -

British Sugar used the widely acclaimed and well researched thinking system called Go MAD to enhance its business performance, and introduced it in a training programme that has allowed employees to achieve greater clarity of thinking, increased speed of thinking, improved creative thinking and consistency in achieving personal and business goals.

QV Foods Ltd, Holbeach Hurn, Spalding, Lincolnshire -

The firm, which grows, packs and processes fresh and prepared produce for the UK retail and foodservice sectors, has launched a new private brand of produce, the Inspire brand, into the typically own-label dominated produce sector. Fronted by MasterChef presenter and judge Gregg Wallace, it is the only celebrity endorsed brand of produce on the market.

• Nottingham Trent University Award for Most Innovative Business in the Wider Food Sector

Charbecue Ltd, Sleaford, Lincolnshire -

The company was formed to develop the Charbecue, an outdoor cooking appliance capable of cooking large volumes of food at three stations from a single heat source. It is now developing and bringing to market various versions of the device and associated accessories.

Cookies of Oakham, Oakham, Rutland -

A sandwich bar and catering company, the firm has diversified to develop a range of fruit-based sauces which are poised to be launched under new brand name “Purple Pepper”. The company sought specialist advice from Nottingham Trent University to establish consistency and to extend the shelf life of the range in order to create commercially viable products.

Fairfield Plaice, Buxton, Derbyshire -

This small fish and chip takeaway has made great strides in improving its environmental credentials by installing a new dramatically more efficient frying range, using only recyclable packaging, procuring fish from sustainable sources and pre-prepared chips from a supplier which recycles waste water. Environmental considerations were also taken into account when selecting the electricity and oil suppliers for the business.

• Campden BRI Award for Most Innovative Business Across the Food and Drink Supply Chain

Food Processing Faraday, Rearsby, near Leicester -

The independent provider of services to help the food supply chain turn knowledge into business solutions worked alongside Sapcote Engineering Ltd on the development of a new depositing system for use in the manufacture of a wide variety of food products. This innovative design is the only one of its kind on the market and offers food companies the opportunity to enhance their business operations by increasing efficiency, reducing changeover time and improving hygiene whilst minimising and simplifying the cleaning process.

Fresh Logistics, East Midlands Airport, Castle Donington -

The firm of chilled parcel couriers identified a gap in the market to provide a service for food manufacturers looking to distribute small quantities of high quality products requiring careful handling and temperature controlled conditions. In response, the company created a bespoke network which caters to the needs of small craft producers bringing together the best food from around the UK and delivering it safely and securely. The service includes the UK’s first overnight temperature controlled parcel delivery network.

Primopost, Buxton, Derbyshire -

The printer of flexible packaging solutions for the food and drink industry has engaged with a number of partners including Miller Graphic Corniche to collaborate on development of flexographic printing technology. Whilst flexographic printing is more environmentally friendly, energy efficient and less costly than its main rival gravure printing, many retail customers choose gravure for the better technical definition it offers. Primopost’s innovation project aims to improve the technical definition of flexographic printing in order to offer customers increased quality along with the added benefits of short runs and quick turnaround which flexography can also provide.

• CenFRA Award for Most Innovative Research Project

eminate Ltd, BioCity, Nottingham -

The company has successfully completed a research project involving the manipulation of salt crystals that has resulted in the development of a new ingredient for the food industry known as Soda-Lo. Soda-Lo enables a reduction in salt use of between 25 and 50 percent across a wide range of food products. This has been achieved by altering the size, form and structure of salt particles in order to increase their saltiness thereby reducing the amount of salt needed to achieve the same flavour profile.


Nottingham Trent University -

Working in collaboration with Enigma Diagnostics, a research team from Nottingham Trent University has created a fully automated test for Salmonella and Campylobacter, the two most common causes of intestinal infection. The new technology created provides farmers with a rapid and cost effective means of carrying out testing for Salmonella and Campylobacter on poultry flocks and premises, improving their ability to quickly detect and control spread of these bacteria and subsequently reduce the entry of Campylobacter into the food chain from infected poultry.


Omniceutica Ltd, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire -

The firm specialises in the research and development of nutriceuticals, food and drink products, and has set up a flexible facility for the production of functional food and drinks at laboratory and pilot scale. For this research project the company has partnered with Sports Agility and Quickness International Ltd. (SAQ) to develop a range of sports nutrition products that complement and enhance SAQ’s physical and psychological training programmes. The range of products will include drinks for pre and post training along with an in-training drink for use during extended training sessions.

One of the short-listed organisations will also be crowned The Food and Drink Forum Innovation Champion 2010.

Tickets for the awards ceremony, which runs from 6.45pm to midnight on November 25th, cost £65 plus vat per person. Tickets are available by emailing enquiries@foodanddrinkforum.co.uk or calling 0115 9758810.

“I am delighted to see such an interesting range of organisations named in the shortlist for the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010. They are all demonstrating how important innovation is to the food and drink sector, and the many different forms it can take,” said Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick. “I’d like to congratulate them on becoming finalists in the awards, which are now an established date on the food and drink industry’s calendar in the East Midlands.”

Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four regional iNets, it has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs.

The Food and Drink iNet also aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes. It is managed by a consortium, led by the Food and Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food

http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/

Tickets go on sale for the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010

Tickets have now gone on sale for the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010 ceremony and gala dinner, co-hosted by journalist John Sergeant and weather presenter Des Coleman.

The event, sponsored by Derby College, will be held at The Roundhouse, Pride Park, Derby, on November 25th from 6.45pm to midnight.

John Sergeant and Des Coleman will be revealing the five winners of the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards, plus the Food and Drink Forum Innovation Champion 2010.

Entries for the awards, which are designed to recognise and reward the most exciting developments in the region’s food and drink sector, have been received from firms, individuals and researchers who work in the industry across the East Midlands. Judging is now taking place, with the shortlist of successful entrants due to be unveiled shortly.

Tickets for the event cost £65 plus vat per person, and table sponsorship is available at £650 plus vat, for businesses wishing to have a larger presence at the event. The comprehensive package of benefits offered to table sponsors includes ten tickets plus a range of promotional opportunities designed to get businesses noticed.

“The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards ceremony has become one of the highlights of the food and drink sector calendar in the region, as well as the chance for us to recognise the achievements of firms, individuals and researchers who work in the industry in the East Midlands,” said Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick.

John Sergeant was famously interrupted mid-broadcast by Margaret Thatcher when she emerged from the Paris Embassy, grabbed his microphone and declared her participation in the Conservative leadership battle, which won John a place in television history and a Press Guild Award for the most memorable outside broadcast. More recently, the former BBC chief political correspondent and former ITN political editor, has become a reporter on BBC1’s The One Show, has hosted Have I Got News for You? and is a regular on many Radio 4 panel shows, as well as being a popular contestant on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The after-dinner speaker for the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010, he will also be co-hosting the ceremony with cheery weather presenter Des Coleman, who has worked in TV, theatre, presenting, musical theatre and films. Des’ TV credits include The Bill, Casualty, Doctors and most famously his four-year portrayal of lovable rogue Lenny Wallace in EastEnders – during which time the show won a BAFTA. He is also a presenter on The One Show.

The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards, which are being held for the third year, will turn the spotlight on outstanding inventions or products, exceptional creativity, and innovative working practices in the industry in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

Tickets are available by emailing enquiries@foodanddrinkforum.co.uk or calling 0115 9758810.

Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four regional iNets, it has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs.

The Food and Drink iNet also aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes. It is managed by a consortium, led by the Food and Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food

http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/

John Sergeant and Des Coleman to host Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010

After dinner speaker John Sergeant

Journalist, presenter and Strictly Come Dancing contestant John Sergeant will be hosting this year’s Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards alongside BBC TV’s East Midlands Today weather presenter and former EastEnders actor Des Coleman, it has been announced.


The pair will be revealing the winners of the East Midlands-based awards at a glittering ceremony and gala dinner sponsored by Derby College at The Roundhouse, Pride Park, Derby, on November 25th.

They will co-host the event which is designed to recognise and reward the most exciting developments in the region’s food and drink sector.

Entries for the 2010 Food and Drink innovation Network (iNet) Innovation Awards, which have five categories, plus the chance for winners to go on to become crowned the East Midlands Food and Drink Forum Innovation Champion 2010, are due by Friday October 15th. Additional prizes in the form of business support are also available.

“Both John Sergeant and Des Coleman are highly entertaining, and we are delighted that they will be joining us for the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010 ceremony and gala dinner,” said Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick.

“The awards ceremony has become one of the highlights of the food and drink sector calendar in the region, as well as the chance for us to recognise the achievements of firms, individuals and researchers who work in the industry in the East Midlands.”

John Sergeant was famously interrupted mid-broadcast by Margaret Thatcher when she emerged from the Paris Embassy, grabbed his microphone and declared her participation in the Conservative leadership battle, which won John a place in television history and a Press Guild Award for the most memorable outside broadcast. More recently, the former BBC chief political correspondent and former ITN political editor, has become a reporter on BBC1’s The One Show, has hosted Have I Got News for You? and is a regular on many Radio 4 panel shows, as well as being a popular contestant on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The after-dinner speaker for the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010, he will also be co-hosting the ceremony with cheery weather presenter Des Coleman, who has worked in TV, theatre, presenting, musical theatre and films. Des’ TV credits include The Bill, Casualty, Doctors and most famously his four-year portrayal of lovable rogue Lenny Wallace in EastEnders – during which time the show won a BAFTA. He is also a presenter on The One Show.

The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards, which are being held for the third year, will turn the spotlight on outstanding inventions or products, exceptional creativity, and innovative working practices in the industry in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. There are categories for a wide range of businesses and individuals – including manufacturers, researchers, and firms in the wider food sector such as restaurants, caterers, delis and primary producers, plus those working on innovation projects for the benefit of the sector – and the closing date for entries is October 15th 2010.

Entries are being invited for the following awards:

• University of Lincoln National Centre for Food Manufacturing Award for Most Innovative Small to Medium Size Food and Drink Manufacturer, which will recognise small to medium food and drink manufacturers within the East Midlands that have championed innovation projects to improve their business. The University of Lincoln has kindly donated an additional prize of two hours’ consultancy from an academic specialist to the winner of this category.

• Campden BRI Award for Most Innovative Business Across the Food and Drink Supply Chain, which will recognise businesses working in the food and drink supply chain in the East Midlands that have undertaken an innovation project that has benefited the food and drink manufacturing sector. Campden BRI has kindly donated additional prizes of two places on a Campden conference or seminar for the winner of the Most Innovative Business across the Food and Drink Supply Chain. Prizes must be taken before October 2011.

• CenFRA Award for Most Innovative Research Project, which will reward the most successful research projects undertaken by universities within the East Midlands that have made a significant beneficial impact on the food and drink sector.

• Food Processing Faraday Award for Most Innovative Large Food and Drink Manufacturer, which will go to a large food and drink manufacturer in the East Midlands that has championed innovation projects to improve their business. Food Processing Faraday has kindly donated an additional prize of a consultancy visit from one of their Innovation Consultants plus one free delegate place to Excellence in Food Manufacturing 2011 to the winner of this category.

• Nottingham Trent University Award for Most Innovative Business in the Wider Food Sector, which will recognise innovation in a food or drink firm that is not a manufacturer. This could include primary producers, restaurants, caterers, delis and local food retailers.

• The winner of the Food and Drink Forum Innovation Champion Award 2010 will be picked from the winners of the five categories. The Food and Drink Forum has kindly donated an additional prize of one day’s consultancy from one of their specialists for the Innovation Champion 2010. Prize must be taken before May 2011.

• Campden BRI has also kindly donated one place on a Campden conference or seminar for the winner of each of the other categories. Prizes must be taken before October 2011.

Application forms are available to download from the Food and Drink iNet website www.eminnovation.org.uk/food.

Funded by emda and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four regional iNets, it has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs.

The Food and Drink iNet also aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes. It is managed by a consortium, led by the Food and Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food

http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/

Last call for entries in Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010

Firms, individuals and researchers linked to the East Midlands food and drink sector have just a few days left to enter this year’s Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards and be in with a chance of winning a prestigious title and valuable business support.


Designed to recognise and reward the most exciting developments in the food and drink industry in the region, the 2010 Food and Drink innovation Network (iNet) Innovation Awards have five categories, plus the chance for winners to go on to become crowned the East Midlands Food and Drink Innovation Champion 2010. Additional prizes in the form of business support are also available.

The awards, which are being held for the third year, will turn the spotlight on outstanding inventions or products, exceptional creativity, and innovative working practices in the industry in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony and gala dinner sponsored by Derby College, which will take place at The Roundhouse, Pride Park, Derby, on November 25th.

There are categories for a wide range of businesses and individuals – including manufacturers, researchers, and firms in the wider food sector such as restaurants, caterers, delis and primary producers, plus those working on innovation projects for the benefit of the sector – and the closing date for entries is October 15th 2010.

Entries are being invited for the following awards:

• University of Lincoln National Centre for Food Manufacturing Award for Most Innovative Small to Medium Size Food and Drink Manufacturer, which will recognise small to medium food and drink manufacturers within the East Midlands that have championed innovation projects to improve their business. The University of Lincoln has kindly donated an additional prize of two hours’ consultancy from an academic specialist to the winner of this category.

• Campden BRI Award for Most Innovative Business Across the Food and Drink Supply Chain, which will recognise businesses working in the food and drink supply chain in the East Midlands that have undertaken an innovation project that has benefited the food and drink manufacturing sector. Campden BRI has kindly donated additional prizes of two places on a Campden conference or seminar for the winner of the Most Innovative Business across the Food and Drink Supply Chain. Prizes must be taken before October 2011.

• CenFRA Award for Most Innovative Research Project, which will reward the most successful research projects undertaken by universities within the East Midlands that have made a significant beneficial impact on the food and drink sector.

• Food Processing Faraday Award for Most Innovative Large Food and Drink Manufacturer, which will go to a large food and drink manufacturer in the East Midlands that has championed innovation projects to improve their business. Food Processing Faraday has kindly donated an additional prize of a consultancy visit from one of their Innovation Consultants plus one free delegate place to Excellence in Food Manufacturing 2011 to the winner of this category.

• Nottingham Trent University Award for Most Innovative Business in the Wider Food Sector, which will recognise innovation in a food or drink firm that is not a manufacturer. This could include primary producers, restaurants, caterers, delis and local food retailers.

• The winner of the Food and Drink Forum Innovation Champion Award 2010 will be picked from the winners of the five categories. The Food and Drink Forum has kindly donated an additional prize of one day’s consultancy from one of their specialists for the Innovation Champion 2010. Prize must be taken before May 2011.

• Campden BRI has also kindly donated one place on a Campden conference or seminar for the winner of each of the other categories. Prizes must be taken before October 2011.

Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick said: “We are very much looking forward to receiving this year’s entries which, judging by previous years’ entries, should reflect the exciting innovation that we have in the East Midlands food and drink sector and associated industries.”

Application forms are available to download from the Food and Drink iNet website www.eminnovation.org.uk/food.

Mike Carr, East Midlands Development Agency’s (emda’s) Executive Director of Business Services, said: “I hope that many of the food and drink companies from across the East Midlands enter these awards. It is not only an opportunity for them to be recognised for their achievements, but it is also a chance for them to showcase their innovations in a way that may help them gain an all important competitive edge in their markets.”

Funded by emda and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four regional iNets, it has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs.

The Food and Drink iNet also aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes. It is managed by a consortium, led by the Food and Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food

http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/

Categories unveiled in Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010

Categories for this year’s Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards have been unveiled, with entries now being invited by organisers.

Designed to recognise and reward the most exciting developments in the East Midlands food and drink sector, the 2010 Food and Drink innovation Network (iNet) Innovation Awards have five categories, plus the chance for winners to go on to become crowned the regional Food and Drink Innovation Champion 2010.

Entries are being invited for the following awards:

• University of Lincoln National Centre for Food Manufacturing Award for Most Innovative Small to Medium Size Food and Drink Manufacturer, which will recognise small to medium food and drink manufacturers within the East Midlands that have championed innovation projects to improve their business.

• Campden BRI Award for Most Innovative Business Across the Food and Drink Supply Chain, which will recognise businesses working in the food and drink supply chain in the East Midlands that have undertaken an innovation project that has benefited the food and drink manufacturing sector.

• CenFRA Award for Most Innovative Research Project, which will reward the most successful research projects undertaken by universities within the East Midlands that have made a significant beneficial impact on the food and drink sector.

• Food Processing Faraday Award for Most Innovative Large Food and Drink Manufacturer, which will go to a large food and drink manufacturer in the East Midlands that has championed innovation projects to improve their business.

• Nottingham Trent University Award for Most Innovative Business in the Wider Food Sector, which will recognise innovation in a food or drink firm that is not a manufacturer. This could include primary producers, restaurants, caterers, delis and local food retailers.

The winner of the Food and Drink Forum Innovation Champion Award 2010 will be picked from the winners of the five categories.

The awards, which are being held for the third year, will turn the spotlight on outstanding inventions or products, exceptional creativity, and innovative working practices in the industry in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony and gala dinner sponsored by Derby College in November.

Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick said: “Last year’s entries for The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards were impressive and we are looking forward to receiving this year’s nominations which I am sure will reflect the exciting innovation going on in the food industry and associated areas within the region.”

Application forms are available to download from the Food and Drink iNet website www.eminnovation.org.uk/food now with the closing date for entries October 15th 2010.

Mike Carr, East Midlands Development Agency’s (emda’s) Executive Director of Business Services, said: “I hope that many of the food and drink companies from across the East Midlands enter these awards. It is not only an opportunity for them to be recognised for their achievements, but it is also a chance for them to showcase their innovations in a way that may help them gain an all important competitive edge in their markets.”

Funded by emda and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four regional iNets, it has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs.

The Food and Drink iNet also aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes. It is managed by a consortium, led by the Food & Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food

Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010 launched

Last year's Innovation Champion Dr Fengge Gao, from Nottingham Trent University's School of Science and Technology, with Fiona Anderson, MD of award sponsors The Food and Drink Forum

The search for the most exciting developments in the East Midlands food and drink sector has begun with the launch of the 2010 Food and Drink innovation Network (iNet) Innovation Awards.

The awards aim to recognise and reward the use of innovation in the food and drink sector in the region as a way of boosting development, profitability or growth.

Being held for the third year, the awards will turn the spotlight on outstanding inventions or products, exceptional creativity, and innovative working practices in the industry across the East Midlands.

Last year’s Food and Drink iNet Innovation Champion was Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology who took the title for the development of an exciting new material for food and drink packaging.

Experts at the university successfully solved the problem of leaching in bottles and have taken the technology a step further to add antimicrobial properties which kill or lessen micro-organisms.

Dr Fengge Gao, from Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology, said: “The benefits of winning the award have gone far beyond our original expectations. The recognition for our technology opened the door to the outside world and the publicity reached every continent. We are now in a much better position with regards to technology transfer, attracting external funding and collaborating with leading industry institutions across the globe.”

Now the hunt has begun for this year’s worthy winners across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick said: “The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards have become an important date on the calendar for recognizing and celebrating the innovation that is going on in the East Midlands’ food and drink sector. In previous years we have seen some truly exciting developments in the industry and I am delighted to announce that the awards will be held again this year.”

The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards will have a number of categories open to firms, organisations and individuals working across the food and drink sector, with entries being invited now. The Innovation Awards will culminate in a glittering ceremony in November, where the winners will be crowned in front of their industry peers.

Forms are available to download from the Food and Drink iNet website www.eminnovation.org.uk/food

Mike Carr, emda’s Executive Director of Business Services, said: “The food and drink industry is very important to the East Midlands and the iNet is playing a significant role in supporting innovation in this sector. These awards recognise and celebrate exciting innovations that have serious market potential, stimulating East Midlands firms and research centres to explore and develop new ideas, technologies and products.”

Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four iNets, it strives to develop an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs.

It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by the Food & Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food