The Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology at the Durban University of Technology hosted the much anticipated annual Food Product Launch on 2 November at the Hotel School on Ritson Campus. The event showcased 12 new inventive products designed and produced by second year Food Technology students…

The Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology at the Durban University of Technology hosted the much anticipated annual Food Product Launch on 2 November at the Hotel School on Ritson Campus. The event showcased 12 new inventive products designed and produced by second year Food Technology students.

The event surpassed expectations with displays of every participating group being professional, colourful and informative. The tasty temptations that were on offer included Melt-proof Liquourice ice-cream, Nutri-milk stout, Rooi-bos Energy drink, Pink fantasy (ladies beer), Maltarula, Green banana paste, Gluten free bread, Nutty Protties, Alcohol ripple ice-cream, Jungle bix, Rooibrans and the Reduced kilojoule maple syrup.

Food Technology Lecturer, Mike Smith said, “It was the students’ first opportunity to present their ideas to the public, they overcame many challenges and worked together as a team to reach the final product.

“We will definitely try hard this year to market and license some of the products,” added Smith.

The slick presentations together with the innovative, nutritious beverages and food products provided a novel experience.

The various products had to be tested and underwent rigorous scrutiny by the judges. The panel of judges included Daksha Nana from Tongaat Hulett Starch, Storm Shanley from Tate & Lyle, Kay Devchand from Food and Cosmetic Technology(FACT) and Walter Vermonti from Jonti Distributors.

And the winners are:

• Grand Prize and Best Overall
• Best Science/Technology
• Best Innovation/Marketable product
• Best Audio/visual and Oral
• Best Display including Poster
• Best Tasting Product -Rooibrans
-Melt-Proof Black Liquourice ice cream
-Rooibos Energy Drink
-Nutri- milk stout
-Maltarula
-Pink Fantasy

The winners were awarded R1000 each with the overall winner receiving a cheque for R3000. The sponsors included Tongaat Hulett Starch, Tate & Lyle, FACT and SAAFoSt.

Second year Food Technology student Cassandra Uys who formed part of the team that scooped the grand prize said “I am very happy to have won and it was a lot of hard work and the results were amazing.”

Head of Biotechnology and Food Technology Professor Suren Singh said, “It’s really fantastic to see what the students have come up with, the range of products have tremendous market value.”

He added that it was one of the best presentations and commended the learners for their phenomenal achievements.

Neil Wiltshire from FlavourCraft was equally impressed and reiterated the high caliber of work that the novices created.

Grand prize of best overall: Rooibrans
The nutritious, tasty breakfast cereal triumphs at the 2011 Food Product Launch. Mhlabelwana and Uys added Rooibos to boost the health benefits of this product.
(L-R) Naledi Mhlabelwana, Cassandra Uys, Peter Clark Best innovation/ marketable product: Rooi-Ed (Rooibos Energy Drink)
Rooibos was a popular ingredient in many of the products and was part of the winning formula for this category. Healthy and refreshing with a hint of vanilla.
(L-R) Shivon Siphali, Rosanna Naidoo, Bhavta Bhagwandeen, Daksha Nana Best tasting product: Pink Fantasy
A feminine twist to a predominantly masculine drink. This pink beer came out tops with its strawberry flavour.
(L-R) Sarisha Devnath, Mishal Pillay, Simone Beeharie, Kay Devchand

Best audio/ visual and oral: Nutri Milk Stout
A milk stout with nutritional value. You can have the best of both worlds with this beverage.
(L-R) Siyabonga Buthelezi, Khosa Matimba, Khulekani Gumbi, Daksha Nana Best display including poster: Maltarula
A non-alcoholic malt drink with a touch of marula flavour and natural ingredients that was pleasant on the pallet.
(L-R) Cleo Pillay, Bhavna Rampath, Shanice Naidoo, Storm Shanley Best science/ technology: Black liquorice melt-proof ice-cream
This innovative and delicious ice-cream is the epitome of novelty. It proved to be popular with its smooth and creamy texture and was enjoyed by many of the test tasters.
(L-R) Siyathokoza Nzimande, Bonokuhle Mqwa, Amanda Thwala, Daksha Nana
-Savie Naicker