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PRODUCT OF THE YEAR CATEGORY: Beverages: Plant Based WINNER: Nestlé, Plant-Based Latte’s, $6.30 Nescafé Gold plant-based range is available in three dairy-alternative variants, including Almond, Coconut, and Oat. Each is made with a blend of high-quality Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. The range launched in June 2020, as Nescafé noted that only a few options were available for coffee enthusiasts to enjoy a non-dairy latte at home. Nescafé Head of Marketing Olga Starush further discusses the purpose behind the launch. “We brought the non-dairy trend out of cafes and into homes so that coffee aficionados who prefer plant-based milk alternatives could enjoy their favourite lattes anytime, anywhere,” she said. “It’s wonderful to see this range recognised by Aussie coffee drinkers.” Plant-based options are a huge trend in FMCG, which Ms Starush expands on. “Plant-based milk alternatives have taken Australian cafe culture by storm,” she said. Specific milks have been created to complement quality coffee in the market. Consumers are starting to see plant-based options not just for those who are avoiding dairy, but also for those who want be more health conscious and love the unique flavours of these milks.” The non-dairy latte range is also said to offer ‘creamy’ appeal. “Plant-based coffees are an important part of Australian coffee culture, and we continue to innovate to meet quality benchmarks and expectations from our consumers,” Ms Starush said. “By providing a plant-based coffee option to have at home, now they don’t have to choose between us and their favourite barista.” She adds that Nescafé stands out from the crowd because “our coffees are made with quality beans and we’re consistently innovating to ensure we follow Australian consumer tastes”. CATEGORY: Meal Solution: Vegetarian WINNER: Passage Foods, Passage to India 90 second Veg Curry Bowl, $5.50 Passage Foods is kicking goals with its award-winning product and in its social endeavours, according to General Manager Simon Bartram, who says the Australian family owned business often competes against global multinationals. “Winning the Product of the Year means the world for the chefs that developed the product right here in Melbourne, and the whole team responsible for delivering the product,” he said. Trends in the category Mr Bartram notes include consumers becoming “more adventurous with flavour and cuisines”. “The days of mac ‘n’ cheese or flavourless, water-based noodle products are limited,” he said. “There’s a whole untapped market of consumers wanting healthy yet delicious quick meal options.” Mr Bartram continued: “Consumers are looking for more plant-based options. They’re not necessarily 100 per cent vegan but do want to reduce their meat intake.” He adds that, to him and the team, this award symbolises that the business is continuing to fulfil its purpose. “It reinforces that the innovation pipeline we have is on the right track and will be accepted by consumers around Australia,” he said, referring to the product as “the first of its kind that we know of ... packed in a compostable bowl ready for enjoyment”. Another trend the Passage Foods team is addressing is that of environmental awareness. “Consumers are looking \\\\\\\[for products\\\\\\\] to be more sustainable,” Mr Bartram said. “All packaging has some impact, but if we can make small steps in the right direction with each new product, consumers will come on the journey. “We’re giving back, too, with one per cent of all sales provided to charities that work on reducing the impact of plastic packaging. “The product has now been ranged in markets around the globe, and with a strong pipeline of new flavours and innovation, the future looks bright.” “There’s a whole untapped market of consumers wanting healthy yet delicious quick meal options.” 38 RETAIL WORLD NOV, 2020