DSM, Danisco, Chr. Hansen and Innophos win at HiE awards

“Despite the frustration that many companies are feeling in Europe, these awards demonstrate what good shape our business is in,”​ said Henry Dixon, of Barret Dixon Bell Ltd, who chaired the judging panel.

“The fact is that we must continue to innovate because what we’re doing is really important. The industry is doing a great job and, if we work together and keep our attitude positive, we can work through these challenging times,”​ he added.

In the digestive health category, the Danisco bakery ingredient system Grindsted Fiberline took top prize, beating competition from FrieslandCampina Domo’s Vivinal GOS prebiotic ingredient, and CNI - Colloides Naturels International’s Fibregum, made from Acacia gum.

In their award statement the HiE awards judges said they had high praise for the ingredient system, which they stated “brings the benefits of fibre to a broader audience, enabling bakers to create products with real processing and health benefits.”​

Danisco said that the award recognises the technology’s unique ability to give 100 per cent rye bread a soft texture and mild taste similar to that of white wheat bread – which is preferred by many consumers.

DSM Nutritional products won in the heart health category for its Fruitflow ingredient – the first and only ingredient to date with an approved health claim from EFSA under Article 13.5. Suitable for functional food, beverage and dietary supplement products.

DSM said that the ingredient represents the “next generation in heart health”,​ explaining that Fruitflow helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, by keeping blood platelets smooth and reducing platelet aggregation.

Chr. Hansen received the HI Excellence Award for sports performance, for the probiotic strain, PCC, which is said to help support the immune health of athletes.

“Probiotics are today used more mainstream in yogurts and standard dietary supplements, and the benefits have not yet been reaped by the sports nutrition industry. PCC is a probiotic strain showing effect within sports nutrition,”​ said Sune Schmoelker, commercial development director, human health & nutrition, Chr. Hansen.

Innophos’ VersaCal Clear won in the category of nutrition for the young and old, whilst in the weight management category, the judges decided that whilst the three shortlisted products showed potential, none met the strict criteria of the awards panel and therefore no award was made.