Gulfood Innovation Awards - Terms and Conditions

The Gulfood Innovation Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to the food and beverage industry. Judging will be based on the following key factors:

Eligibility

Only innovations released within the past 12 calendar months (February 2024 to February 2025) will be considered.

Rules of Participation

• Participation Fee: AED 500 per product entry.

• You can enter multiple award categories. Each product entered in a category will incur a separate fee of AED 500.
• You can submit multiple products for each category, but each product/innovation requires a payment of AED 500.
• Entries can be from: A brand-new product/innovation, A re-launch of an established product, The launch of an innovative initiative, 
• Eligible products: Products must be launched/re-launched strictly after February 2024
• Submission Method: Entries must be submitted online through the official Gulfood Exhibitor Portal. Submissions via email will not be accepted.
• Participants are responsible for uploading their own product information, images, and videos. This data will be used exclusively for the adjudication process and deleted after winners are announced.
• Shortlisted entrants will be required to send samples of their actual product for in-person judging. The organisers will directly contact shortlisted entrants with further details.
• Delivery of Shortlisted Products: Shortlisted products must be delivered to the organisers’ office within the specified timeframe. Late deliveries will result in automatic disqualification.
• Any shipping, transportation costs, including customs duties, must be covered by the participating company/exhibitor

Entry Quality

Submissions should be well-structured, clearly presented, and supported by relevant facts and attachments, such as:

• Photos

• Reports

• Case Studies

• Videos

• Press Clippings

• Presentations

General Evaluation Criteria

• Innovation / Originality / Advancement: The degree of novelty and significance within the product’s segment.

• Market Relevance: How well the product aligns with current market demands and trends.

• Health & Environment: Contributions to health improvements and environmental sustainability.

• Customer Centricity: Alignment with consumer needs and preferences.

Segment-Specific Evaluation Criteria (where applicable)

• Aroma: Unique and pleasant sensory characteristics, considering both intensity and subtlety that align with product

• Taste: Distinctive and memorable flavour profiles, including balance, complexity, and aftertaste that offer an innovative experience.

• Body: Texture, mouthfeel, and consistency that enhance the overall enjoyment and set the product apart from standard offerings.

• Formula: Excellence in formulation with particular emphasis on:

  • Improving nutritional value

  • Innovative use of ingredients

  • Enhancing the consumer experience through functional or sensory benefits.

• Presentation: Packaging innovation, design, and standout visual appeal, focusing on:

  • Unique technological features

  • Sustainability of materials

  • Positioning aspects that make the product distinct in the marketplace.

• Overall Impression and Impact: A comprehensive evaluation of the product’s uniqueness, market relevance, and ‘wow factor,’ including its potential to disrupt or redefine its segment.

Pre-Judging Process for Award Categories

Each award category will have a pre-judging process to ensure a fair and structured evaluation based on the following criteria:

• Best Beverage Product

  • Innovation: Examine unique formulations or features, like added health benefits or rare ingredients.

  • Taste: Evaluate samples or tasting notes submitted by nominees.

  • Market Relevance: Consider alignment with trends (e.g., functional drinks, eco-consciousness).

  • Sustainability: Review claims about eco-friendly practices in sourcing or packaging.

  • Presentation: Assess packaging design for visual appeal and marketability. 

• Best Dairy Product

  • Product Variety: Range of products (e.g., cheese, yoghurts, milk) and their innovation.

  • Quality and Freshness: Documentation or sensory notes from quality testing.

  • Sustainability: Use of ethically sourced ingredients or environmentally friendly production methods.

  • Consumer Appeal: Overall appearance, taste profile, and relevance to dietary needs.

• Best Meat or Poultry Product

  • Product Quality: Certification of meat quality, freshness, and adherence to safety standards.

  • Innovation: Introduction of new flavours, processing methods, or plant-based alternatives.

  • Convenience: Ready-to-cook, pre-marinated, or heat-and-serve options.

• Best Frozen or Chilled Product

  • Product Versatility: Range of frozen or chilled items (e.g., meals, desserts, sides).

  • Convenience: Ease of preparation and storage for consumers.

  • Innovation: Novel preservation methods or unique product concepts.

  • Market Demand: Alignment with consumer preferences for frozen or chilled goods.

• Best Health and Wellness Product

  • Nutritional Value: Claims verified by certifications or scientific backing (e.g., organic, low-calorie).

  • Consumer Trends: Suitability for modern health trends (e.g., keto, vegan, allergen-free).

  • Functionality: Added benefits like probiotics, vitamins, or adaptogens.

  • Market Positioning: Differentiation within the health and wellness sector.

• Best Packaging Design

  • Aesthetic Appeal: First impressions, colour schemes, and creativity in design.

  • Functionality: Practicality of packaging (e.g., resealable, user-friendly design).

  • Sustainability: Use of eco-friendly materials and minimalistic designs.

  • Storytelling: How the packaging reflects the brand and product story.

• Best Snacks/Baked Product

  • Product Range: Types of snacks or baked goods (e.g., health-focused, indulgent).

  • Taste and Texture: Sensory evaluations or consumer feedback.

  • Market Innovation: New flavour profiles, health-focused options, or unique ingredients.

  • Consumer Demand: Popularity and fit for current snacking trends.

• Best Sauce, Condiment, or Preserve

  • Flavour Innovation: Unique combinations or fusion flavours.

  • Consistency and Quality: Sensory evaluations on texture, aroma, and taste.

  • Versatility: Applications for home cooking or professional kitchens.

  • Market Relevance: Popularity among different consumer groups.

• Best Ready-to-Eat Product

  • Convenience: Ease of consumption, packaging, and shelf life.

  • Taste and Quality: Feedback from sensory testing or consumer reviews.

  • Market Innovation: Novel formats or flavour combinations.

  • Consumer Appeal: Health-conscious or indulgent offerings that cater to diverse markets.

• Lifetime Excellence Award 

  The Lifetime Excellence Award honours an individual whose exceptional contributions have shaped the food and beverage industry.

  • Legacy: Historical contribution to the food and beverage industry.

  • Impact: Measurable influence on industry standards, innovation, or sustainability.

  • Reputation: Recognition from peers, customers, or media.

  • Achievement: Evidence of setting benchmarks in quality, ethics, or innovation.

Each category will have a predefined scoring system based on the criteria above, ensuring transparency and consistency across the pre-judging process. The evaluation will rely on submitted documentation, product samples, and industry-relevant metrics provided by nominees.

Timelines

• Submission Open: 16 December 2024

• Shortlist Announcement: 27 January 2025

• Winners Announced: 17 February 2025

Note: Participation in the Gulfood Innovation Awards constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. The organisers retain the right to amend these terms as necessary.