The Gulfood Innovation Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to the food and beverage industry. Judging will be based on the following key factors:
Eligibility
Only innovations released within the past 12 calendar months (February 2024 to February 2025) will be considered.
Rules of Participation
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Participation Fee: AED 500 per product entry.
- You can enter multiple award categories. Each product entered in a category will incur a separate fee of AED 500.
- You can submit multiple products for each category, but each product/innovation requires a payment of AED 500.
- Entries can be from: A brand-new product/innovation, A re-launch of an established product, The launch of an innovative initiative,
- Eligible products: Products must be launched/re-launched strictly after February 2024
- Submission Method: Entries must be submitted online through the official Gulfood Exhibitor Portal. Submissions via email will not be accepted.
- Participants are responsible for uploading their own product information, images, and videos. This data will be used exclusively for the adjudication process and deleted after winners are announced.
- Shortlisted entrants will be required to send samples of their actual product for in-person judging. The organisers will directly contact shortlisted entrants with further details.
- Delivery of Shortlisted Products: Shortlisted products must be delivered to the organisers’ office within the specified timeframe. Late deliveries will result in automatic disqualification.
- Any shipping, transportation costs, including customs duties, must be covered by the participating company/exhibitor
Entry Quality
Submissions should be well-structured, clearly presented, and supported by relevant facts and attachments, such as:
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Photos
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Reports
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Case Studies
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Videos
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Press Clippings
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Presentations
General Evaluation Criteria
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Innovation / Originality / Advancement: The degree of novelty and significance within the product’s segment.
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Market Relevance: How well the product aligns with current market demands and trends.
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Health & Environment: Contributions to health improvements and environmental sustainability.
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Customer Centricity: Alignment with consumer needs and preferences.
Segment-Specific Evaluation Criteria (where applicable)
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Aroma: Unique and pleasant sensory characteristics, considering both intensity and subtlety that align with product
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Taste: Distinctive and memorable flavour profiles, including balance, complexity, and aftertaste that offer an innovative experience.
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Body: Texture, mouthfeel, and consistency that enhance the overall enjoyment and set the product apart from standard offerings.
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Formula: Excellence in formulation with particular emphasis on:
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Improving nutritional value
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Innovative use of ingredients
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Enhancing the consumer experience through functional or sensory benefits.
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Presentation: Packaging innovation, design, and standout visual appeal, focusing on:
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Unique technological features
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Sustainability of materials
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Positioning aspects that make the product distinct in the marketplace.
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Overall Impression and Impact: A comprehensive evaluation of the product’s uniqueness, market relevance, and ‘wow factor,’ including its potential to disrupt or redefine its segment.
Pre-Judging Process for Award Categories
Each award category will have a pre-judging process to ensure a fair and structured evaluation based on the following criteria:
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Best Beverage Product
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Innovation: Examine unique formulations or features, like added health benefits or rare ingredients.
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Taste: Evaluate samples or tasting notes submitted by nominees.
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Market Relevance: Consider alignment with trends (e.g., functional drinks, eco-consciousness).
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Sustainability: Review claims about eco-friendly practices in sourcing or packaging.
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Presentation: Assess packaging design for visual appeal and marketability.
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Best Dairy Product
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Product Variety: Range of products (e.g., cheese, yoghurts, milk) and their innovation.
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Quality and Freshness: Documentation or sensory notes from quality testing.
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Sustainability: Use of ethically sourced ingredients or environmentally friendly production methods.
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Consumer Appeal: Overall appearance, taste profile, and relevance to dietary needs.
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Best Meat or Poultry Product
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Product Quality: Certification of meat quality, freshness, and adherence to safety standards.
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Innovation: Introduction of new flavours, processing methods, or plant-based alternatives.
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Convenience: Ready-to-cook, pre-marinated, or heat-and-serve options.
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Best Frozen or Chilled Product
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Product Versatility: Range of frozen or chilled items (e.g., meals, desserts, sides).
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Convenience: Ease of preparation and storage for consumers.
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Innovation: Novel preservation methods or unique product concepts.
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Market Demand: Alignment with consumer preferences for frozen or chilled goods.
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Best Health and Wellness Product
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Nutritional Value: Claims verified by certifications or scientific backing (e.g., organic, low-calorie).
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Consumer Trends: Suitability for modern health trends (e.g., keto, vegan, allergen-free).
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Functionality: Added benefits like probiotics, vitamins, or adaptogens.
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Market Positioning: Differentiation within the health and wellness sector.
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Best Packaging Design
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Aesthetic Appeal: First impressions, colour schemes, and creativity in design.
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Functionality: Practicality of packaging (e.g., resealable, user-friendly design).
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Sustainability: Use of eco-friendly materials and minimalistic designs.
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Storytelling: How the packaging reflects the brand and product story.
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Best Snacks/Baked Product
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Product Range: Types of snacks or baked goods (e.g., health-focused, indulgent).
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Taste and Texture: Sensory evaluations or consumer feedback.
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Market Innovation: New flavour profiles, health-focused options, or unique ingredients.
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Consumer Demand: Popularity and fit for current snacking trends.
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Best Sauce, Condiment, or Preserve
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Flavour Innovation: Unique combinations or fusion flavours.
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Consistency and Quality: Sensory evaluations on texture, aroma, and taste.
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Versatility: Applications for home cooking or professional kitchens.
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Market Relevance: Popularity among different consumer groups.
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Best Ready-to-Eat Product
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Convenience: Ease of consumption, packaging, and shelf life.
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Taste and Quality: Feedback from sensory testing or consumer reviews.
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Market Innovation: Novel formats or flavour combinations.
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Consumer Appeal: Health-conscious or indulgent offerings that cater to diverse markets.
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Lifetime Excellence Award
The Lifetime Excellence Award honours an individual whose exceptional contributions have shaped the food and beverage industry.-
Legacy: Historical contribution to the food and beverage industry.
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Impact: Measurable influence on industry standards, innovation, or sustainability.
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Reputation: Recognition from peers, customers, or media.
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Achievement: Evidence of setting benchmarks in quality, ethics, or innovation.
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Each category will have a predefined scoring system based on the criteria above, ensuring transparency and consistency across the pre-judging process. The evaluation will rely on submitted documentation, product samples, and industry-relevant metrics provided by nominees.
Timelines
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Submission Open: 16 December 2024
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Submission Deadline: 15 January 2025 (by 18:00 GST)
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Shortlist Announcement: 17 February 2025
Note: Participation in the Gulfood Innovation Awards constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. The organisers retain the right to amend these terms as necessary.
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