FROM SPENT GRAIN TO STANDOUT INNOVATION
Innovation has long been at the heart of the SIAL experience. Since its creation in 1996, SIAL Innovation has become a key feature of the SIAL Network, identifying and celebrating products that respond to changing consumer needs, emerging market trends and new challenges across the global food industry.
At Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL, the competition provides a platform for standout new products, concepts and ingredients, giving promising innovations greater visibility among industry professionals.
Among its past award winners is Kosmode Health Singapore, whose W0W® Barley Fresh Noodles earned a Bronze Award. Made using protein and fibre extracted from spent barley grains, the product brings together two increasingly important areas of food innovation: health and the repurposing of food-production by-products. We spoke with Florence Leong, Co-Founder and Director of Kosmode Health Singapore, about the thinking behind W0W®, the impact of its SIAL Innovation recognition and what comes next for the company.
Why did you choose to participate in Food & Drinks Malaysia?
Food & Drinks Malaysia is a renowned platform for KosmodeHealth to advocate for responsible, sustainable consumption for health; that crops utilisation can be maximized after the initial round of food production by repurposing food production by-products for formulation of food - even food that can address functional food security and health issues.
What is your overall impression of the Food & Drinks Malaysia?
Food & Drinks Malaysia exceeded our expectations in terms of its scale, diversity, and quality of participants. The event fostered an energetic environment of collaboration and learning where innovation truly took centre stage. It was inspiring to see so many companies committed to sustainability and health converging to share ideas and solutions. The engagement and feedback we received around W0W(R) Barley Fresh & ProTEGO™ reinforced the growing market demand for functional foods that are both good for people and the planet. Overall, Food & Drinks Malaysia was a valuable and motivating experience that strengthened our mission to lead in sustainable health innovation.
You won the Bronze Award for Barley Fresh Noodle. Could you tell us more about this innovation?
W0W® Barley Fresh Noodle is the only staple food crafted from protein and fibre extracted from spent barley grains (a by-product of beer and malt production) & clinically proven to have no impact on blood sugar level. This approach transforms materials that would contribute to planetary damage if dumped into landfills into functional food that addresses functional food security & health issues. It’s an example of how sustainability and health innovations can merge to create healthier food options for consumers while caring for the planet.
What makes WOW(R) stand out from competitors in the noodle market?
W0W(R) Barley Fresh Noodle is a 'one of its kind' unique product. Mass market noodles are carbs-loaded, healthier noodles could have high protein and fibre but no other noodles have nutritional function and uses repurposed ingredients that don't need to be grown.
Since winning the award, have you observed any tangible results such as increased demand or new partnerships?
While we have not yet seen a noticeable increase in demand or new partnerships immediately after winning the award, it has significantly boosted our brand recognition and credibility in the market. The award serves as important validation for our innovation and strengthens our position as a leader in sustainable food solutions.
What are the consumer benefits of using barley in your noodles?
As a starchless noodle with only 1 g carbs and clinically proven to have zero blood sugar impact, W0W(R) Barley Fresh Noodles facilitates adherence to a Low Carb Diet - a diet associated with cardiometabolic benefits (such as BP/cholesterol reduction and even diabetes remission) without consumers being subjected to an onerous restrictive diet that deprives them of the choice and joy of food.
Do you have any upcoming projects or expansions in development?
KosmodeHealth's latest W0W(R) innovation is ProTEGO™. ProTEGO(TM), which means 'Protein Protect', made with repurposed peanut protein (by-product of peanut oil) & sweet potato fibre (by-product of potato noodle), is a high-protein, high-fibre noodle with only 27g carbs. ProTEGO™ embodies our mission to create health promoting & earth sustaining foods that support muscle and gut health while reducing environmental impact. The product launch marks a key milestone in our journey and we are eager to expand its market reach and introduce more innovative solutions in the near future.
Will you participate again in Food & Drinks Malaysia in the future? If so, can you tell us why?
Food & Drinks Malaysia is a crucial platform for showcasing innovation, connecting with industry leaders, and exploring new business opportunities in the vibrant Southeast Asian food and beverage sector. It's strong emphasis on sustainability, food technology, and emerging consumer trends aligns perfectly with our mission to drive sustainable food for health. Participating again allows us to stay at the forefront of industry developments and build valuable partnerships for ongoing growth.
Image credits:
Melissa Askew - Unsplash