Top 10 Innovative Products at the Grocery Innovations Canada Show

It has been a busy month of food judging and events, and one of my favourites every year is the Grocery Innovations Canada Show. This year I was invited to be one of the judges in the Top 10 Innovative Products at the show. Very exciting!

Though I was intimidated by the thought of running the entire tradeshow floor which this year was over 110,000-sq.-ft. dedicated to key grocery and specialty categories. Then looking at every product at every booth, to find the 10 most innovative. That’s no small task!

Turns out it was easier than that. But not easy by any stretch of the imagination.

The exhibitors submitted their products for the New Products Showcase. These products were displayed in a line of tall glass cases. From the array of new products we reviewed and judged them based on packaging, benefit and overall innovation. Essentially, our job was to evaluate the product solely on it’s packaging, as if seeing it at a grocery store. Then determine how innovative it is and by extension, how likely it is someone would buy it.  Because, after all, this is a show for Grocery Innovations and many of the attendees are there to stock their store shelves with new and interesting products that consumers will buy and try. (And hopefully buy again.)

Grocery Innovations Canada (GIC)

Top 10 Innovative Product Competition Winners

The products below won this year’s Top 10 Most Innovative Product Competition at the Grocery Innovations Canada Show.

Winners:

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While some of these are available across Canada, some are still establishing their distribution channels and are only available regionally or online.  Check the links below if you are interested in finding out more about any of them.

KEFIR+ Overnight Oats (A&M Gourmet Foods Inc.)

Simply Simple KEFIR+ Overnight Oats (A&M Gourmet Foods Inc.) – Simply Simple Ready-to-Eat Overnight Oats are made with Gluten Free Rolled Oats mixed with Fruit and/or Spices and soaked in Kefir overnight. Conveniently packaged in a re-closable container which includes a spork (spoon/fork)

Ready-To-Eat Fresh Fruits & Vegetables (Nature Knows Inc.)

Ready-To-Eat Fresh Fruits & Vegetables (Nature Knows Inc.) – Fresh Fruit & Vegetables in compostable packing and corn pouches

EGGbakes (Burnbrae Farms Ltd.)

Burnbrae Farms EGGbakes are delicious protein packed quiches, ready in 90 seconds. You’ll find them in the freezer section.

Cold Brew Coffee (Point Blank Cold Brew)

Point Blank is a cold brew coffee drink. Freshly roasted coffee is steeped in cold water for up to 20 hours, filtered, and then bottled. With no sugar, no fat, no chemicals or fillers, no additives and no preservatives

Sundried Tomato & Basil Cashew Cheese (Fauxmagerie Zengarry)

Fauxmagerie Zengarry Sundried Tomato & Basil Cashew Cheese – Fauxmagerie Zengarry’s cashew cheeses are a lactose-free vegan cheese alternative that have dairy avoiders and cheese lovers alike raving.

NAGI Makaroons (NAGI)

NAGI Makaroons – raw, organic, non-gmo, vegan. gluten-, soy-, and dairy-free.Hand crafted in small batches we have created our Makaroons using only the finest raw and organic ingredients. These nutrient dense “power balls” will satisfy your sweet tooth without sending your blood sugar soaring. They also contain a healthy amount of protein, fiber, and good fats your body needs.

Royal Truffle Mills Twins (SeussFinest)

Seuss Finest – Royal Twin Luxury Truffle Mill – one filled with Perigord truffles and the other with Bianchetti Truffles

Organic Manuka Honey Drops (Tree of Life Canada)

Organic Manuka Honey Drops (Tree of Life Canada) – using a recipe developed in the 1950s and still used today, Wedderspoon Manuka Honey organic drops are: gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, GMO free, and do not contain any sulphites, artificial colouring, flavouring, preservatives, or trans fats.

PrOATein Premium Nutritional Bar (PrOATein)

PrOATein Premium Nutritional Bar (PrOATein) – Our Premium nutritional lifestyle bars are all-natural, gluten free, nut-free, and high in fiber.

Wild Keta Bacon Style Salmon (Simply West Coast)

Simply West Coast Wild Keta Bacon Style Salmon – Simply delicious wild salmon with a sweet and smoky flavour – bacon style! A delicious and healthy alternative to traditional bacon.

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products, I’d love to hear your thoughts about the list and if you have any favourites on it.

Additional images provided by GIC, Seuss Finest, Nagi, and Kimberly A Teasdale of the5oclockrush.com