Six Finalists Vie in Product Development Competition
by Mary Ellen Kuhn
It’s always a treat to see what competitors in the IFT Student Association’s Product Development Competition have cooked up in an effort to earn top honors in this prestigious annual competition. This year will be no exception, so prepare to be impressed.
The competition invites participating teams to conceptualize a new food idea and then work to see the concept through all stages of product development. Judges have selected finalists from six schools, and this year’s top-ranked entries address key consumer hot buttons including health, convenience, a fondness for ethnic fare, and, of course, the ongoing desire for decadent taste experiences.
The finalist teams will participate in oral finals on Sunday, July 18, from noon to 3 p.m. in McCormick Place, Room S404abc. In addition, for a close-up look at the finalist products and the processes that went into developing them, check out the product poster display from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, July 19, in Hall A of McCormick Place.
Here’s a round-up of the products that the finalist teams will be showcasing during the Annual Meeting competition.
• Cornell University — Tamarangles, an ethnic snack with a savory fruit filling.
• Iowa State University — Yummelts, melting, nutritious seasoning gels.
• Ohio State University — Coccobello, a crunchy, gluten-free mini cannoli that is coated with dark chocolate, dashed with toasted coconut, and filled with a lime mousse.
• Rutgers University — Ruggets, an all natural dried meat snack that contains small chunks of lean beef top round, dried fruits, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, and whole grains.
• University of Minnesota — GOODough Donuts, a healthful breakfast pastry made with whole grain that is baked, not fried, and vitamin-enriched.
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute — Gluten-eze, a gluten-free pie crust made from whole grain quinoa flour rich in protein and low in sodium.
The competition, which is sponsored by Mars, has been held since 1991. Winners will be announced at the IFTSA Welcome Assembly on Monday night, and will also be highlighted in IFTLive.