A crunchy, just sweet enough nutritious breakfast biscuit: Nutrivital was named Product of the Year at the Durban University of Technology’s Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology 2015 Food Product Launch.
The much anticipated event was held at the University’s Hotel School, Ritson Campus, on Thursday, 15 October 2015.
A group of final-year students unveiled their products to the judges from industry, invited guests, fellow students and various other stakeholders who treated their taste buds to the presented dishes and beverages.
The colorful innovative products from the eight groups decked out on show ranged from fermented coconut based wine with a tone of vanilla; to a delicious high protein chocolate bar as well as a prickly pear jam with rich fruity flavor, to name but a few.
The displays tempted and excited the taste buds of those who came to view and taste the food.
After the tasting of the displayed food products, all guests were treated to presentations from the students.
Imana Foods Quality Assurance Systems Manager, Shobana Naidoo, said the industry was ready for fresh, young graduates. “Well done to the students for their hard work and for getting this far. It takes a lot of courage to follow your dream and get this far. The industry waits for all young, well educated, well-groomed aspiring students who will set the industry alight,” she said.
Students were tasked to come up with a food product idea that can be mass produced and possibly, commercially available. When given the task, students are required to do a formulation for their chosen food product which they are then encouraged to market.
Food Technology third-year Senior Lecturer, Dr Oluwatosin Ijabadeniyi said encouraging students to market and make their product appear as the best of any range was another way they were trying to create Entrepreneurs out of the students. “ We always encourage our students to think of coming up with start-ups where they can, in the future, start their own food companies,” he said.
Discussing their product (Nutrivital) the winners, Jadine Naicker, Ashea Roopnarain, Nomile Dlamini and Dane Bishun, said their idea of a breakfast biscuit was derived from the scarcity of such products. “We wanted to come up with a breakfast item which you can eat on the go. Our product is the definition of healthy and delicious. Biscuits are not limiting when it comes to eating. You can have them anywhere and anytime, in a rush or relaxed,” said the students. Nutrivital is made out of hemp, bambara and rice flour.
Nutrivital’s prize was sponsored by the South African Association for Food and Technology (SAAFOST) and Kerry.
Taking second place in the competition was Prickley Pear Jam (made from prickly pear cactus fruit). Their prize was sponsored by Pakco and SAAFOST. Third place went to Chice Ice Cream ( a non-diary, lactose tolerant ice cream which contains chia seeds). Their prize was sponsored by Tongaat Hulett and SAAFOST. Imana also sponsored all the non-winners’ prizes.
– Noxolo Memela
Pictured from left: Nomile Dlamini, Ashea Roopnarain, Dane Bishun and Jadine Naicker; the winning group that made Nutrivital breakfast biscuit.
