The Innovation Challenge returned to The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show, highlighting the most innovative food-to-go products launched in the last 12 months. This popular session featured shortlisted companies-selected by visitor votes-pitching their products live on stage on day 2.
A panel of expert judges then put the products to the test, awarding Gold, Silver, or Bronze to the most outstanding innovations. This year’s judges were:
Karen Bosher – NED – Livelyhood Pub Company
Alex Large – Co-Founder – Brother Marcus
Jane Treasure – Former Director of Food – Pizza Express
Lucy Barker – Operations Director – Stonegate Group
Peter Woods – Development Chef – Hawksmoor
Penelope Bruce – Operations Director – Greene King
Chris Stagg – Managing Director – Peach Pub Co.
The results were:
Valentine & Cuisinequip – The CORE Smart Fryer
Silver – The judges loved the great use of modern technology. Sustainable and functional – a game changer!
Lamb Weston – Frenzy Fries
Gold – The judges loved the name. Innovating with food as an experience – will be a big hit!
Nory – Nory Customer Reviews
Silver – The judges loved that this didn’t just find a problem but can suggest a solution. A great use of AI tech!
MOTH: Drinks – Passionfruit Martini
Silver – The judges said this has given a classic cocktail a new lease of life. Love it – full strength and premium!
MONIN – PURE by MONIN Cucumber
Silver – The judges thought this was authentic, natural and clean. Bang on trend and functional across many sectors!
La Compagnie des Desserts – Royal Matcha Yuzu
Silver – The judges loved the use of contrast, textures and fusion of different cultures. Who wouldn’t want to try this!
Callebaut – Ruby, Raspberry & Piztachio Bar
Gold – The judges loved the creative use of ingredients. A really clever idea and a stunning product!
Sauce Shop – Sauce Shop Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce
Silver – The judges loved the mix of sweet and spicy. A great twist on the product. You could put this on everything – it will be a big hit!
Off the Wall Drinks – The Smart Tap Dual
Gold – The judges love the dual service functionality. This can be used across many sectors. Smart tech and data!
Diageo – Smirnoff Miami Peach
Bronze – The judges loved the name. Can see this being a massive hit – looks like a holiday in a bottle!
Unox UK – SPEED Compact ECO
Silver – The judges loved the great innovation. Really well researched. Great for smaller kitchens!
Yorkshire Tea – Yorkshire Tea Iced Peach & Raspberry
Silver – The judges loved that it is fresh, punchy and full of flavour. Great to see such a well-known brand continuing to innovate!
For more information and to see the full list of entries in the Innovation Challenge, click HERE.
