KEY POINTS:
New Zealand's first commercially farmed snails, vodka jellies and a smart cookie that gets the Heart Foundation tick are among the 45 finalists in the 2008 Massey University Food Awards.
The biennial awards recognise the country's most cutting-edge new food and drink products, championing innovation and excellence.
The innovative finalists include the first commercially produced New Zealand pickled snails and snails in spring water from the Hawke's Bay, vodka jelly shooters, tart cherry juice that helps you sleep, a low-fat chocolate cream high in omega 3, a power bar developed by a Coast to Coast winner and a smart choc fudge cookie that receives the Heart Foundation tick.
"The finalists' line up shows that small businesses are leading the way with product innovation," head judge cook Allyson Gofton said.
"There are a lot of small food businesses, many of them entrepreneurs, doing some truly creative things and it's great to see such strong innovation."
"The most notable trend among this year's finalists is that food products are crossing over to the functional food and nutrition arena, some are even medicinal, and this is something that will grow enormously in future."
The finalists will be scrutinised by a panel of food industry experts to find the winners in 20 categories from which one supreme winner will be selected. The awards will culminate in a gala dinner in October 2008 when the winners will be announced.
- NZPA
