in the Food Packaging & Beverage category, WikiPearl by WikiFoods Inc., Cambridge, Mass., took the gold Edison award in the Food Packaging & Beverages category. WikiPearl is a protective, edible skin (like a grape skin) for various foods, like ice cream, yogurt, frozen yogurt and cheese. The packaging was inspired by how nature packages fruits and vegetables, according to the company.

SqueezyStraw by The Barton Group Inc., East Hampton, N.Y., was honored with a silver award in the same packaging category. The SqueezyStraw is a low-cost, tamper-proof, single-serve dispensing pouch with a built-in sipping straw. It’s suitable for yogurt, pudding, water, juice and other products. The liquids can be chilled, frozen or ambient. It’s made of 100% light gauge, flexible, packaging materials and the low cost is based on materials and production methodology, according to the company.

3M Food Safety, St. Paul, Minn., took home a bronze award for its 3M Petrifilm Rapid Yeast and Mold Count Plate in the Research & Education category. The testing technology detects the presence of yeasts and molds in food and the environment in as little as 48 hours.

This is the fourth year in a row 3M Food Safety has received an Edison Award. Other technologies previously honored include the Petrifilm Salmonella Express System, Molecular Detection System and the Aerobic Procedure for Lactic Acid Bacteria with Petrifilm Aerobic Count Plate.

The Edison Awards, conducted by the non-profit organization Edison Universe, are sponsored by Ipsos. The awards honor excellence in new product and service development, marketing, human-centered design and innovation. The event took place April 23 at The Capitale in New York City.

To see all the winners visit www.edisonawards.com/winners2015.