IDFA announced the winners of the first annual Innovations Awards at the International Dairy Show, Sept. 18-21 in Atlanta. One winner was selected in each of five categories – food safety, ingredients/flavorings/seasonings/additives, packaging, processing and sustainability.  

The International Dairy Foods Association, Washington, D.C., announced the winners of the first annual Innovations Awards at the International Dairy Show, Sept. 18-21 in Atlanta. One winner was selected in each of five categories – food safety, ingredients/flavorings/seasonings/additives, packaging, processing and sustainability.  

ATMIC-FF Fischer Planning, Santa Monica, Calif., received the Food Safety Innovation Award for its Ultra-Clean extended shelf-life line, which allows for manufacturing products without added preservatives.

TIC Gums, Inc., White Marsh, Md., earned the Ingredients/Flavorings/Seasonings/Additives Innovation Award for Dairyblend SC-ASC, a 100% hydrocolloid blend combining natural emulsifiers with traditional thickeners and gelling agents to deliver high-quality stable products across the sour cream category.

Stonyfield, Londonderry, N.H., received the Packaging Innovation Award for its plant-based polylactic acid (PLA) form/fill/seal plastic multi-pack yogurt cup, representing a first in the dairy industry.

Junction Solutions, Englewood, Colo., earned the Processing Innovation Award for its Genetic Optimizer, a production-scheduling application that provides manufacturers with a fast, flexible planning solution that’s easily implemented without third-party software or complex integration.

Ecolab, Inc., St. Paul, Minn., received the Innovative Sustainability Award for Envirocid Plus, an innovative acid that helps dairy processing plants manage their operating costs while improving their sustainability profile.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc., Buffalo, N.Y., received the Attendee Choice Award for Crave, a nutrient-rich chocolate milk that comes in a resealable aluminum bottle to chill fast and keep the milk cold for longer periods of time.

Each of the winning entries exemplified substantial achievements in price or performance, significant advancement in a technology or its application or innovative design. To be eligible for an award, the products or services must have been introduced to the market during the past 12 months.

"These awards are a great way for exhibitors to bring their products and services to the attention of the dairy industry," says Robin Cornelison, tradeshow director for IDFA, the host of the show. "All participating companies, especially the winners, will gain added recognition from peers and potential customers for their innovative products and services."

Award winners will be featured in the October edition of Dairy Foods magazine.

To learn more about the International Dairy Show or to exhibit or attend the next show, which will be held Sept. 16-18, 2013 in Minneapolis, go to www.dairyshow.com.