Free-from & organic products abound at Alimentaria Barcelona
Hundreds of new products were presented at the Alimentaria food and drink trade show in Barcelona in April and standing out was the abundance of organic and ‘free’ products – such as free of sugar, salt, fat, lactose, gluten or frying – across all categories. Many of the innovations also responded to the growing demand for organic and functional foods and drinks among consumers, who also want them to be pleasurable and without need for much preparation.
“Eliminating or significantly reducing the amount of sugar, salt and fat in food and drinks constitutes the manufacturers’ main objectives when it comes to innovation, as well as devoting considerable efforts to maintaining enticing flavours and attractive presentations. Organic ingredients, ready-to-eat meals, gourmet ranges, baked dishes to replace fried ones, superfoods, vegan snacks and gluten-free and lactose-free proposals are also gaining momentum, as demonstrated by the latest developments on display,” the Alimentaria 2018 organisers said.
Apart from at exhibitor stands, the Alimentaria Hub was the place to learn about prevailing trends and within it, the Innoval exhibition showcased more than 300 new products. The hub was also the site of the Taste of Tomorrow exhibition featuring displays of startup projects aimed at revolutionising food and gastronomy. Following are just some of the interesting new products ED discovered at Alimentaria 2018.
Sea veggies: ideal for an umami kick from the estuaries of the Bay of Cádiz nature reserve are hand-picked wild delicacies such as sea asparagus (Salicornia), sea lettuce, red alga (ogonori) and Codium alga (miru). From Suralgas, Vejer de la Frontera
Beplus bioactive smoothie: dairy and gluten free smoothies made from organic fruit and veg. Four flavours with four functions: antioxidant, energising, detox and relaxing. Vitamin C-enriched and in convenient pouch formats. From Juan y Juan Industrial (Dulcesol group), Valencia
Seaweed snacks: a crispy, healthier, low-fat alternative to chips they come in a wide range of flavours including wasabi, curry, kimchi, Teriyaki sauce and sesame. From Godbawee Food, South Korea
Mango, tomato & hazelnut frozen lollipops: one of four new frozen lollipop products (another is green apple with pistachio) designed to delight as appetisers in the hospitality sector. From La Abuela Cándida, Ciudad Real
Fruit & vegetable crisps: Pinkfinch’s apple crisps (35g), banana crisps (35g), and green bean & sugar snap pea crisps (25g) use real fruit and veg. Naturally sweet, high in fibre, gluten and nut free, apt for vegans and with the texture of a potato crisp. Billed as each bag being “one of your 5 a day.” From Food Products, N. Ireland
Ginger up: three new products in the Ginger up range of drinks with energy and health benefits: ginger and pineapple, ginger and basil, and a ginger and apple shot. Other new products from the same company include a cucumber tea, organic juice range, and a carrot Gazpacho soup. From: Comfresh Iberian, Madrid
Tropical Kumato: described as having an aroma like that of tropical fruits, very good flavour and a little sweeter than the traditional Kumato. From Syngenta seed house
AdeS plant-based beverages: The leading seed-based beverage brand in Latin America, Coca-Cola bought AdeS last year and is now introducing the functional drinks in Europe. It promoted 4 formats with fruit juices: almond with mango & passionfruit, oatmeal with strawberry and banana, coconut with berries, and soy with apple. RRP €1.09 (250ml). From Coca-Cola Spain
Caramelised sesame seeds: organic sesame seeds caramelised with unrefined cane sugar available in varieties including with kale, wasabi, berries, ginger, lemon, aloe vera, chilli pepper, spirulina or guava, among other fruits and vegetables. Add taste to dishes, salads, yogurts. Other caramelised seeds include pumpkin, sunflower, poppy and chia. From Ecoriginal, Barcelona
Sun&Vegs Supersalads: Three different types – Mediterranean Rice, Arabian Quinoa & Asian Rice – of ready-to-eat salad products fresh from “the garden to the jar.” From Grupo Alimentario Citrus (GAC), Valencia
High taste protein products: The À Trois range of supplements was designed to be both tasty and nutritious. Includes chocolate protein bars, protein powders and 75% fruit juice energy gels. Ingredients include strawberries, blood oranges, Canary Island bananas, lemons, pumpkin, carrots and peas. From: À Trois Nutrition, Catalonia
