Synercore Food Holdings is pleased to announce its inaugural award for most commercially viable product at the recent New Product Development Day held at the Department of Food Science at Stellenbosch University. Although it was extremely difficult to choose a winner, as all the participating groups delivered excellent projects, it was ultimately decided to award the prize to “Amaasing” for their Amasi based Ice Cream.
Judges for this particular award included Synercore Holdings CEO, Dr. Tertius Cilliers and R&D Manager, Dr. Nikki Hogan along with invited guest judge Mr Darryl Clayton Certified Business Advisor and Director of African Food Ingredients.
The award included a R2000.00 cash prize for each and a workshop on “Establishing the commercial viability of new products”. The workshop will be presented by a mix of six technical specialists from Synercore, specialising in different fields of a development and commercial business. The workshop will highlight areas to be considered in “real” terms of commercialising a new product to provide the students with greater insight into the realities of development and the commercialisation process.
It should be highlighted that the quality of the presentations and the products put forward by the students’ for tasting were of a notably high standard. The Synercore team present at the NPD day recognised that there were a number of products with definite commercial potential. This was confirmed by Mr Clayton whom further stated “In particular I enjoyed the Alfa-Snaps and can see it as an alternative for those who do not prefer biltong”.
The theme for the development was ‘’Local is Lekker”’, aimed at lower LSM consumers with a strong focus on sustainability.
Projects presented included:
- Off the Hook Fish Spread
- Spenties
- Amaasing
- SorghiSip
- Bambara Bite
- Easy Beans
- Alfa-Snaps
Dr. Hogan, whom holds a PhD in Food Science from Stellenbosch University commented ‘’It was fantastic to see the quality and high standard of the products presented at the NPD day, and the Department (Food Science) can be proud of the achievements of the students. In particular, Dr. Maricel Krügel, lecturer on NPD should be congratulated for her effort in putting together an excellent program for the 4th year students which showcases their capabilities. The future of Food Science is indeed in good hands and we look forward to the students’ continued contribution to the food industry in the future.”
Below Dr Nikki Hogan presents the Synercore NPD Award to Caroline Bursey and her Amaasing Team.
Mr. Clayton concluded, “We look forward to hosting the Amaasing Team for the Get Real workshop – Establishing the commercial viability of new products on 1st November 2018. For the Synercore Group, it is a tremendous privilege to participate in such development of students. We wish each of the students success with their future studies and we will follow their careers with interest and of course, anticipation!”