Tasting competitions in the food industry are gaining in popularity, becoming not only a means of recognising product quality, but also an important tool for manufacturers seeking to get their products on the shelves of large retail chains.
In today's competitive environment, when consumers are becoming more and more demanding, the opportunity to present your products to independent professionals is invaluable. But can entering such a competition really make a difference to commercial success and open doors to supermarkets and restaurants?
These are the questions that the Olena Sinitsyna, founder and organiser of the only professional tasting competition in Ukraine, Favorite Food & Drinkswhich has already established itself as a powerful platform for food and beverage producers. In the interview, she talks about how the competition helps suppliers to get a professional assessment of their products, win consumer recognition and, ultimately, get on store shelves.
What are the goals of the tasting competition?
The primary goal of the competition is to assess the organoleptic characteristics of food products - their appearance, aroma, taste, consistency and other characteristics inherent in certain types of products to identify the best samples.
Suppliers receive feedback from professionals, their assessment and recognition of food quality.
Often, manufacturers use the competition to test their new products among an independent, professional community.
The tasters have the opportunity to improve their sensory abilities and add to their bank of descriptors.
Favorite Food&Drinks provides a unique opportunity to taste samples of different product categories, several manufacturers in neutral conditions, in one place.
Can products that have been evaluated by tasters get on the shelves in supermarkets and how?
Tasters representing a particular retail chain or restaurant business, tasting and evaluating the characteristics of tasting samples, unwittingly or with certain intentions, "try on" a product or drink for their product portfolio.
There are certain objective prerequisites for this. There is no direct or indirect pressure from the supplier's representatives, and commercial terms are left out of the picture. You only have the product in front of your eyes and receptors, and only an understanding of whether it is tasty or not. Whether this product can ultimately interest the consumer and be purchased by him or her.
The format of the event provides for the acquaintance of all its participants on the day of the award ceremony as part of a closed meeting of leaders of food retail, food industry, HoReCa and related industries. During the event, introductions, presentations and first interactions take place.
What is the benefit of participation for those suppliers whose products are already represented in the networks?
The food market is highly competitive. Each product category is represented by several manufacturers. The presence of a professional competition award guides consumers to choose products that have been tasted by independent professionals.
For those suppliers whose products are already on the shelves, receiving awards is a direct confirmation that the chains have objectively the best samples in terms of organoleptic characteristics
What are the benefits for food suppliers and tasters?
The tasting competition has a multiplier effect for all its participants, both for the providers of tasting samples - food producers and suppliers - and for the tasters.
We would like to emphasise that the main winner is the consumer, who gets the opportunity to choose already proven products and drinks.
The next Favorite Food&Drinks competition will take place on 17-18 September 2024.
Published in AllRetail