Business Bites: Compete on global stage with World Cheese Awards

On this week’s plate: World Cheese Awards; the first 3D-printed fish fillet; sustainable pizza crust; and more.

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Audarshia Townsend, Heather Carterand 1 more

June 12, 2023

4 Min Read
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It comes as no surprise that more than 4,000 cheese experts enter the annual World Cheese Awards every year. If you think you have what it takes to stand out, find out how to apply below. Also, it was bound to happen: An Israeli company has created the world's first 3D fish fillet. There's much more to devour in this week's Business Bites. 

Get ready for the World Cheese Awards—in Norway

Several months ago, we spotlighted the rising popularity of cheese and how its aging process is essential to developing unique and interesting flavors. Cheese is such a big deal that every year the World Cheese Awards receives more than 4,000 entries from cheesemakers and producers representing more than 40 countries. For those who think they have what it takes to compete on a global stage, the Guild of Fine Food is accepting entries now through Sept. 8. Judges look at the rind and body of the cheese, plus its color, texture, consistency and, of course, taste. The competition occurs Oct. 27 in Trondheim Spektrum, Norway, and is the highlight of the annual Oste V-M cheese festival.

An Israeli company debuts first 3D-printed fish fillet

We’re only halfway into 2023 and food and beverage manufacturers have already introduced some game-changing innovations. Add 3D-printed fish to that list. Israeli-based food tech startup Steakholder Foods unveiled the world’s first 3D-printed cultivated grouper fillet using advanced biology and proprietary 3D bioprinting technology, which involves a specialized machine that can produce tissue and organs using living cells. The ready-to-cook fillets are made from hybrid grouper cells provided by Singaporean cell-based meat startup Umami Meats. The companies partnered to develop a scalable process for producing structured, cultivated fish products using Steakholder Foods’ printing technology and customized bio-inks. We’ll be closely watching their progress.

Blue Diamond, Brightseed explore health benefits of almonds

Through a new alliance, almond marketer Blue Diamond and food-tech company Brightseed will use Brightseed's groundbreaking new Forager technology to identify and quantify the bioactive compounds in almonds. Bioactive compounds are the health-promoting molecules found in plants, and they have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including heart health, blood sugar control, weight management and gut health. The collaboration is a significant step forward in the effort to understanding the health benefits of almonds. "Almonds are a global food staple, and we believe that this partnership has the potential to make a significant impact on human health," Sofia Elizondo, co-founder and COO of Brightseed, said about the partnership.

Now, even pizza crust is sustainable

ADM is making significant strides towards sustainability with the launch of HarvestEdge Oro. This line of sustainable pizza crust solutions reflects ADM's commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients and implementing a carbon-neutral milling process. The approach involves "bringing together simple, wholesome ingredients sourced directly from farmers who prioritize improving soil health and enhancing farm resiliency through regenerative agriculture practices," according to Paula LaBine, the marketing director of global milling and baking solutions at the company. The introduction of premium flours, blends and specialty grains in this new range aims to offer a wide variety of crust options, ranging from Neapolitan-style crusts made with 00-style pizza flour to keto-friendly alternatives featuring low net carb flour replacer. 

Observing ‘World Food Safety Day’ should be every day

According to WHO, there are more than 200 foodborne illnesses, which kill hundreds of thousands of people worldwide each year. To raise awareness about the importance of food safety and prevention and management of foodborne risks, UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) designated June 7 as World Food Safety Day five years ago. This year’s theme, “Food Standards Save Lives,” coincides with the 60th anniversary of Codex Alimentarius, a collection of food standards, guidelines and codes of practice.

“While June 7 is reserved to celebrate World Food Safety Day, the safety of food matters each and every day,” Angela Anandappa, Ph.D., founding executive director and CEO of Alliance for Advanced Sanitation, said. “This day is a special day to recognize the importance of food safety in protecting public health and acknowledging the tireless work of all the individuals that contribute to safer food every day.”

Audarshia Townsend is Food & Beverage Insider’s content director. Heather Carter and Tedi Delashmet are the site’s associate editor and content producer, respectively.

Like what you’re reading? Be sure to subscribe to Food & Beverage Insider’s weekly newsletter so you never miss a “bite.” Click here to subscribe or reach out to Heather Carter at [email protected] or Tedi Delashmet at [email protected] to learn more about being featured.

About the Authors

Audarshia Townsend

Content Director, SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal, Informa Markets

A lifelong Chicagoan, Audarshia Townsend is an award-winning, veteran food and beverage journalist who serves as the content director for the SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal brand. She is Informa Markets' 2024 "Star Storyteller" winner. Her experience as a visionary editor and writer spans 30 years, with an emphasis in print and digital magazines. Audarshia's professional passion is to champion and amplify underserved business communities. Some of her most recent content includes her review of 2023's F&B trends, the future of food science careers, an interview with culinary star Padma Lakshmi, and Pescavore's sustainable ahi tuna jerky strips. She also appears regularly on local and national media outlets to discuss food and beverage trends, most notably FOX-32 Chicago, WGN-TV, WXRT-FM, NPR-Chicago and the Travel Channel. She is often called on to serve as a judge for prestigious food, beverage and restaurant awards, including the James Beard Foundation, NEXTY Awards and Black Women in Food. She continues to write for Chicago magazine, and previously she has written for the likes of the Chicago Tribune, Eater Chicago, Esquire, Essence, Los Angeles Times, Playboy, Time Out Global and World’s Best Bars. With food and beverage being her longtime, chosen beat in media, she has created content for a number of prestigious brands such as AOL, Google, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, Lexus, MasterCard, Markon Cooperative Inc., Miller Brewing Co., Resy and Simplot Foods.

To date, Audarshia has guest lectured at the following higher-education institutions: Columbia College Chicago and Loyola University Chicago for undergraduate journalism students; Northwestern University for graduate journalism students; and Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) for undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. food science students. She also mentors aspiring young writers and journalists whenever she can. Email her at [email protected] and also connect with her on LinkedIn.

Heather Carter

Associate editor, SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal

With over a decade of diverse professional experience under her belt, Heather has journeyed from the bustling world of local news reporting to the intricate realms of trade publishing. She has covered a wide array of topics, ranging from architecture and design to the food and beverage industry.

During her illustrious career, Heather also ventured into the realm of public relations, where she gleaned invaluable insights into the art of strategic communication and brand storytelling. Yet, her heart has always been anchored in the vibrant world of F&B, a passion deeply ingrained in her roots as the daughter of a seasoned chef. She has always held a profound appreciation for the role food plays in shaping cultures and connecting people.

With each story she tells, Heather seeks to illuminate the profound impact of food and beverage on people’s lives, celebrating its ability to evoke emotions, foster connections and weave the fabric of our shared human experience.

As SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal's associate editor, she co-publishes a weekly news column, Business Bites, which showcases the latest industry news, highlighting key business updates, food and beverage innovation, industry events and more. Some of her other articles touch on important topics, such as ultra-processed foods, plant-based foods primed to change the food landscape, international flavors and ingredients, as well as better-for-you CPGs. She also frequently covers top trends at various industry events and has moderated first-of-their-kind education sessions at Informa events.

She can be reached at [email protected].

Tedi Delashmet

Content producer, Food & Beverage Insider

Tedi Delashmet is the content producer for Food & Beverage Insider at Informa Markets. Her experience includes feature writing and production, as well as an internship covering Chicago’s culinary landscape. She is based in Los Angeles and expresses her love of storytelling through Hollywood’s creative outlets. 

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