FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR THE GAMA INNOVATION AWARDS 2019
MANCHESTER – 8th July 2019: Manchester-based global insights specialist Gama is today pleased to reveal the shortlisted finalists in the Gama Innovation Awards 2019.
Recognising outstanding innovation in the FMCG space, the shortlists for the Gama Innovation Awards represent the very best new products unearthed in the last year by Gama’s global network of in-country researchers and analysts across eight categories: Product, Packaging, Positioning, Branding & Design, Health & Wellness, SME, Best of Britain and Best of Middle East.
This year’s shortlisted finalists are, in many cases, a microcosm of wider trends impacting the FMCG industry, highlighting topics such as sustainability, the continued vogue for clean eating, and the emergence of new functional ingredients. This year’s packaging shortlist, for instance, is dominated by alternatives to single-use plastic, including wrapper-free ice lollies, screw-together beer cans, and compostable ready meal trays. Cannabidiol (CBD) features in a number of finalists’ formulations, pointing to increased excitement around CBD as a novel functional ingredient, despite possible regulatory barriers. Meanwhile, the plant-based and ‘free from’ trends continue to inspire innovation ranging from chickpea-based mac’n’cheese to sweet potato ‘crackers’ and mushroom-based snack bars.
Commenting on the shortlist, Gama innovation director Silvia Ruiz said: “In compiling the shortlists for the Gama Innovation Awards 2019 we sifted through literally hundreds of new and innovative products from over 40 countries, selecting only the most ground-breaking few for consideration by our expert judging panel”.
“Now into its fourth edition, the Gama Innovation Awards 2019 will be a fantastic opportunity for all of our worthy finalists to take their place in the spotlight, among a select audience of industry thought leaders from across the globe”.
Ian Wright CBE, Rabih Kamleh (Agthia Group), The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Tricia McNeilly (Ötzibrew), Cesar Pereira at GICA 2018
Ian Wright CBE, Chief Executive, Food & Drink Federation said: “GICA is an absolutely brilliant showcase for innovation in the food & drink industry. It’s full of inspiring stories about how businesses are approaching the whole question of disrupting the existing market and growing their businesses, product lines and brands”.
The overall winner in each category, as voted by a panel of international judges, will be announced in a ceremony to take place at Manchester Bridgewater Hall on 10th October 2019.
To see the shortlist for each category, click HERE .
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About the Gama Innovation Awards
The Gama Innovation Awards recognise outstanding innovation in the FMCG space.
Awarded in the disciplines of Product, Packaging, Positioning, Branding & Design, SME, Best of Britain, Best of Middle East and Health & Wellness, Gama Innovation Awards go to the top new launches unearthed each month by Gama’s network of in-country researchers and analysts.
Winners are chosen through an international panel of expert judges based on a shortlist of innovative products.
About Gama
Gama is a global provider of business information and services headquartered in Manchester, UK and regional operations in Dubai, UAE. Gama provides high-quality news, research, analysis and partnering services powered by our worldwide network of over 100 specialists in more than 46 countries.