Pacific businesses have come away with a bevy of wins at recent European award competitions, with applications sponsored by Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Europe and International Trae Centre (ITC). Solomons Gold, a vegan chocolate brand made from single-origin cocoa beans from the Solomon Islands, won two silvers and five bronzes in the Confectionery category at the Free From Awards in June. Fiji Fire’s Native Bongo Chilli Hot Sauce brought home a silver.
The Free From Awards are dedicated to products that cater to allergens and other dietary restrictions, a rapidly growing sub-industry. The process involves blind judging, where the three to five judges taste food and beverages without seeing brand names or product packaging.
PTI Europe’s Trade Commissioner, Jodie Stewart, said the awards are a testament to the fantastic businesses and the people behind them, and pave the way for more podiums in their future.
“The Free From Awards are exciting for Pacific businesses, as nutrition and choice become a bigger part of the food and beverage industry.. This is about giving customers a greater choice of brilliant products that exclude allergens. Solomons Gold and Fiji Fire are two exemplary brands when it comes to nailing the brief and responding to this demand. I feel privileged to have been part of their journey to win at the Free From Awards; it is so deserved.”
Also this awards season, Solomons Gold, Daily Good, Niugini Organics and Frangipani Foods, received Great Taste awards in the United Kingdom.
Solomons Gold won awards for four of their chocolates: 75% Dark Solomon Islands Bar with toasted Almonds, Dark Nib 75% Cacao, Dark Orange 70% Cacao, and Solomon Islands 100% Cocoa. Daily Good won with their immunity shots: Organic Fijian Ginger, and Organic Fijian Turmeric. Representing Papua New Guinea, Frangipani Foods won awards for both of their Galip nut products: Dry Roasted, and Dry Roasted with Pink Salt and Niugini Organics won for their beautiful Virgin Coconut Oil.
Both of these awards are very well recognized in Europe and are not only validation of the quality of these Pacific products but provide credibility and leverage for the businesses to be able to advance discussions with commercial partners.
The Speciality Fine Food Fair, the United Kingdom’s leading showcase of artisanal food and drink, provides another exciting opportunity for Pacific businesses to fly their flags in Europe. Hosted in Olympia, London, it marks another opportunity for Pacific businesses to showcase their unique offerings.
