Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) and Sensory Lab are recognising coffee creativity through the launch of the MICE Product Innovation Awards.
For the first time, MICE exhibitors will have the chance to receive recognition, and win prizes, for a new product, technology or service.
While not limited to Australian designs, the awards were created to celebrate quality concepts that add value to our specialty coffee industry.
“Melbourne is a world wide leader in coffee innovation,” said Sensory Labs’ Ross Quail. “For years we’ve had great minds influencing what people are doing in specialty industries around the globe.”
Ross said if a new concept is taking off in Australia, it’s likely to take off around the globe.
“I mean just look at what Matt Perger has done for the EK43 and his collaboration with Pullman Tampers for the Perg Tamp,” says Ross.
To enter, all exhibitors are encouraged to nominate their new product for an award ahead of the show.
A panel of industry professionals will decide on a product shortlist, which will then be on display at the Sensory Lab Brew Bar powered by Huhtamaki at MICE.
Visitors to the brew bar will cast their vote to decide the winner of the Product Innovation Award People’s Choice category.
A judging panel will decide the first, second and third place winners in the Judge’s Choice category.
“The People’s Choice Award will give the wider industry an indication of what coffee professionals and the public are impressed by,” says Ross. “A balanced pool of judges will provide an alternative perspective on what makes a product worthy of recognition.”
To qualify for a MICE Product Innovation Award the product must have been introduced to the market between 12 March 2015 and 17 March 2016.
The product, technology or service must be something not already in common usage in the industry, or is significantly different to other pre-existing market options.
“The winning product will be innovative and promote either efficiency, safety, quality of better customer service,” says Ross. “We want products that help us think outside the box.”
For more information or to enter the awards CLICK HERE.
