IFE Manufacturing has revealed the finalists for the highly anticipated IFE Manufacturing Ingredients Awards 2025, in association with the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST). 

Now in their second year, the awards recognise groundbreaking achievements in ingredient innovation, celebrating excellence across six categories. The winners will be announced at 4pm on 17 March on the show’s Trends & Innovation Platform.  

Federico Dellafiore, Event Manager for IFE Manufacturing, comments: "This year’s finalists exemplify the incredible progress being made in ingredient innovation. As the industry continues to evolve, these awards shine a spotlight on the technologies and solutions that will shape the future of food and drink manufacturing. We look forward to celebrating the winners at IFE Manufacturing 2025." 

Bobby Edge-Partington, Senior Communications Manager, Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) comments: "The IFE Manufacturing Ingredients Awards are a fantastic platform to recognise the innovation and technical excellence that drive the food and drink industry forward. At IFST, we are dedicated to championing the highest standards of food science and technology, and it is inspiring to see such a strong lineup of shortlisted entries that exemplify creativity, expertise, and a commitment to progress.  

“Ingredient innovation plays a crucial role in shaping the future of food—whether through enhancing sustainability, improving nutritional profiles, or meeting evolving consumer demands. These awards shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done across the sector and reinforce the importance of science-led solutions in tackling the challenges and opportunities of modern food production. We congratulate all the shortlisted entrants and look forward to seeing how their innovations contribute to the future of our industry." 

Paul Sheldrake, Group Application & Technical Director at Healy Group and one of the awards judges, adds: “It was a privilege to be able to join the distinguished panel of experts to judge the broad and exciting array of entries to the IFST led, IFE Manufacturing Ingredients Awards this year.  

“The judging was an enlightening, thought-provoking process with lots of discussion, debate and expert insights to find the best, shortlisted and winning entries. I am looking forward to the results being announced, sharing the celebrations with the award winners and to be able to follow their innovations grow in the future marketplace.” 

This year’s shortlist includes an impressive array of pioneering products and solutions that are set to transform food manufacturing and product development. 

Finalists 

New Technologies in Ingredient Applications 

• SuperGround Fish Paste - SuperGround 

• Tigernut Mylkshake – Root Mylk Ltd 

New Ingredient Launch from a Start-up Company 

• MicroSalt – MicroSalt plc

• Red+ - Michroma 

• Win-Win Cocoa Free Chocolate Alternative - Win-Win 

• Prota - Upcycled Plant Power Limited 

Achieving Sustainable Solutions 

• Tinned Saag Aloo - Fareshare 

• Prota – Upcycled Plant Power Limited 

• Salmon Roulade – 555 Amanda 

Simplified Ingredient Lists for Clean Labels 

• POTINA Banana Oat Drink - POTINA LTD

• Eurostar Gluten Free Chapati Flour - Eurostar Commodities Ltd 

• Dried Fruit and Veg Pulp - Freddie's Farm 

Innovative Solutions for Nutritious Foods 

• MicroSalt - MicroSalt plc 

• Plant-Based Dairy Fat - BioDairy Labs 

• Whey Protein with Additional Leucine and Vitamin D/ N-ICE Cream® (Nottingham Ice Cream) - Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust 

• Engevita® HiPRO Beyond - Lallemand Bio-Ingredients 

The judging panel, made up of esteemed industry experts, carefully assessed each entry based on innovation, functionality, and impact on the food and beverage industry. All the shortlisted companies are also entered into an overall Innovation of the Year category, with the winner also announced at IFE Manufacturing on 17 March.  

2025 Judges: 

• Delia Baban, Food Safety Consultant and Trainer, DBFS Consulting Services 

• Irina Beale, Group Head of Technical, The Restaurant Group Ltd 

• Carole Bingley, Technical Specialist, RSSL 

• Mhairi Forbes, Senior Technical Manager - Bakery, ISB, Grocery and Non-Food, Marks and Spencer 

• Sheila Kupsch, Research & Innovation Manager, Twinings & Co 

• Ian Noble, VP R&D – Research and Analytical Sciences, Mondelēz International 

• Kirsty Pourshahidi, Senior Lecturer in Food Science & Technology, Ulster University 

• Paul Sheldrake, Group Application & Technical Director, Healy Group 

• Richard Werran, Global Director Food & Retail, BSI 

Irina Beale, Group Head of Technical at The Restaurant Group, comments: “The innovative ingredient judging process was a true voyage of discovery, showcasing the industry's remarkable creativity. We were impressed by the ingenuity and passion demonstrated by all the entrants, making the final selections both challenging and incredibly rewarding.” 

The winners of the IFE Manufacturing Ingredients Awards, in association with IFST, will be announced on day one of IFE Manufacturing 2025, taking place from 17-19 March at Excel London, on the Trends & Innovation Platform. The event will bring together leading innovators, suppliers, and manufacturers, providing an unparalleled opportunity to explore the latest industry advancements. 

For more information and to register for your complimentary trade ticket, visit ifemanufacturing.co.uk.