Fi Europe 2026 Innovation Awards Name 25 Finalists
Fi Europe has shortlisted 25 entries across eight categories for its 2026 Innovation Awards, selected from 133 submissions.
Fi Europe has revealed 25 shortlisted entries across eight categories for its 2026 Innovation Awards. Selected from 133 submissions, the finalists span ingredient functionality, processing technology, health, and sustainability. A panel of 11 industry experts, led by Professor Colin Dennis, Chair of the Board of Trustees at IFIS Ltd, selected the finalists.
New Alternative Protein category highlights shifting protein sources
The new Alternative Protein Innovation Award recognizes ingredients from plant, fungal, algal, microbial, and insect sources. Organiser Informa Markets said the category was added because these sources are becoming more important in food systems. This reflects the broader industry shift toward sustainable protein.
Key finalists in Alternative Protein and Dairy Innovation
Several finalists show the focus on alternative proteins and dairy replacements. The new category and the Dairy Alternative category feature prominent entries.
Nourish Ingredients recently produced Creamilux in a 10-tonne run with SD Guthrie International. Other notable finalists in related areas include dsm-firmenich for its Vertis TVPs with ModulaSense, textured pea proteins with built-in taste modulation, and Lallemand Bio-Ingredients for Engevita HiPro Beyond, a yeast-derived ingredient with at least 80% protein.
Innovation spans pet food, sustainability, and health applications
Finalists extend into pet food, sustainability projects, and health-focused ingredients. Beneo is shortlisted for BeneoFeed FB P60, a faba bean protein concentrate that can replace animal blood plasma in wet pet food.
The Sustainability category includes several projects. Roquette is a finalist for a project aimed at cutting transport emissions across the food value chain. Other sustainability finalists are Tereos for its Cultivate Net Zero ingredient range, LÍPIDOS SANTIGA for a responsible coconut oil sourcing project, and Beyond Oil for a technology that manages frying oil in foodservice kitchens.
Health Innovation Award finalists include Botanic Healthcare for CornFit, a standardized extract from cornsilk developed for metabolic health, and Wecare Probiotics for its Weizmannia coagulans BC99 strain, a spore-forming probiotic for sports nutrition.
Winners to be revealed at Fi Europe opening day
The award winners will be announced on 17 November in the Harmonie Hall at Messe Frankfurt. The announcement coincides with the opening day of the Fi Europe trade show, which runs from November 17 to 19. Yannick Verry noted the collaborative spirit driving the sector, stating, "Innovation today is driven by collaboration, so being able to bring the food ingredients community together is essential." Winners will be announced on Tuesday, November 17, during Fi Europe 2026.
