Ecotrophelia challenges students around Europe to develop a sustainable and innovative food product from concept to market.
The seven nominees are entered into the UK final, where they will be judged by industry leaders.
The UK champion will be rewarded with £2,000, a year’s free IFST membership, and expert mentorship from the ‘dragons’ who judge the competition to aid their preparations for the European final where they’ll compete against other countries.
This year’s finalists are:
- BoozyBalls – University of Surrey
- Fidelites – Manchester Metropolitan University
- NoDoh – Queens University Belfast
- Notti Bites – University Nottingham
- Marble – Nottingham Trent University
- Missing M¿lk – University of Reading
- Tastry – University of Reading
The 2024 UK final will take place at the Nestlé Product Technology Centre in York on 5 June 2024.
The competition was launched in the UK in 2013 to foster competition and innovation in R&D and sustainability in the food sector. It continues to develop the next generation of food industry leaders and acts as an incubator for business ideas.
Over the last 12 years, Ecotrophelia UK has received more than 120 entries involving 500+ students from 24 different universities across the UK.
“The Ecotrophelia competition is always one of the highlights of the IFST year, and we are thrilled with the range of entries from across the UK,” commented Chris Gilbert Wood, acting Chief Executive of IFST.
“Food and drink businesses are one of the most consistent innovators in the UK economy; this competition helps to encourage new generations of entrepreneurs into rewarding careers in the food system. We are looking forward to seeing the seven pitches in June and wish the teams the best of luck for the UK final.”
The UK heat of this Europe-wide competition is organised by UK food and drink research organisation Campden BRI, in conjunction with the Institute of Food Science & Technology, the independent qualifying body for food professionals in Europe.
Last year’s UK winners were team PlanEat from the University of Nottingham, who impressed the judges with their insect-based snack.
Watch last year’s behind the scenes video of the European Finals here.
