Innovation on the menu at CIBUS 2018

Along with aisles upon aisles of traditional Italian fare–prosciuttos, Parma hams, Parmigiana Reggiano, balsamic vinegars, olive oils and antipasti–there were scores of new products to discover at CIBUS 2018—Italy’s biggest food and beverage show—which took place in Parma this week.

One of the new features of the biennial show, which is expected to attract 80,000 visitors from around the world including buyers from most major Canadian grocery retailers, is CIBUS Innovation Corner. Showcased in this area are 100 innovative products selected from more than 1,000 new items on display at 3,100 booths at CIBUS.

Products selected for Innovation Corner were chosen by a judging panel of 21 experts and fit into six categories: convenience, free-from & vegan, heathy, local, packaging, and taste & specialty. According to show organizers these represent “all main emerging trends that drive change on the store’s shelves” and satisfy the expectations of today's consumers.

Here’s a look at some of the standouts from CIBUS Innovation Corner:

Turmeric Flavoured Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray (by Campagnia Alimentare Italiana)
There were plenty of organic products represented at Innovation Corner, including this turmeric-flavoured olive oil spray. The company says in creating this product it uses a unique infusion process that keeps the antioxidant benefits of turmeric but "eliminates the annoying powdery sensation."

Organic Soy Mayo with Ginger and Turmeric (by Il Nutrimento)
Turmeric also featured in this product, an organic, vegan "spread in a tube." This spreadable soy mayo comes from Il Nutrimento, part of the Probios group—a leader in organic vegetarian fare in Italy. Its makers say this versatile spread can be squeezed onto sandwiches, tarts, breads and more. The range also includes Soy Mayo Natural, Italian Black Olive Spread, Artichoke Spread, and Hemp and Basil Spread.

Gratable Sphere with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (by Sfera con Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP da grattugiare)
Balsamic vinegar is serious business in Italy and this company is bringing it to consumers in an innovative solid sphere format. The 100% natural balsamic vinegar sphere can be grated, sliced or chopped.

Pasta with Kimbo Coffee Flour (by La Fabbrica Della Pasta Di Gragnano)
In some circles coffee flour is being hailed as the next superfood and it's certainly popping up in more and more products. Here, La Fabbrica Della Pasta Di Gragnano has teamed up with Kimbo coffee company to create a pasta that delivers a slight coffee flavour along with caffeine and a higher concentration of fibre.

Bowl'z (by Zerbinati)
Another healthy convenience item in Innovation Corner was Bowl'z. Featuring layers of fresh vegetables and grains packed in a re-sealable jar complete with dressing packet and fork. Bowl'z are availalbe in three varieties: Mediterranean Rice, Moroccan Quinoa and Asian Rice.


Stracciatella Snack (by Gioiella)
Touted by its makers as a convenient, on-the-go dairy snack, the lineup features flavours such as mozzarella, cuor di latte,  smoked scamorza (an Italian cow's milk cheese) and stracchiatella (a kind of gelato, pictured on the right).  Attractive package includes an easy-peel lid along with a handy fork.

Pesto and Basil Toppings (by Costa Ligure)
From Costa Ligure comes a new line of toppings in a handy squeezable bottle. Among the flavours offered: classic basil pesto, organic pesto and basil cream. It can be used to dress salads, perk up sandwiches or added to pizzas and wraps.