Innovative finds at TuttoFood Milano 2023

TuttoFood is the largest B2B exhibition for the agri-food ecosystem, a national and international reference point for the development of product, design and a guide to the food sector of the future.

TuttoFood 2023 was one of the most well-attended editions since the inception of TuttoFood with over 83,000 trade visitors registered, including 20 per cent coming from 132 different countries. The largest groups came, in order, from Spain, the U.S., France, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, China, Romania, Poland and the UK, but delegations from all five continents were also present: from Vietnam to Canada, from the Faeroe Islands to Paraguay and Kazakhstan.

New products could be found across the show floor, with innovation in terms of sustainability, packaging, and processes. From plant-based to protein-rich products – here are six products Food in Canada scoped out during our attendance.

1. Biodegradable straws

In flavours like lime, coffee and vaniila; Sorbos biodegradable and edible straws add a flavourful addition to any beverage without an overpowering taste. Made in Barcelona, the straws are composed of sugar, water, corn starch, bovine gelatin, stabilizer, glycerin, aroma and antioxidant citric acid.

The straw stays ridged for a minimum of 40 minutes in cold drinks. The flavour sticks are individually wrapped in anti-humidity paper without the need for special storage. Sorbos are available in over 20 countries, with plans to possibly expand to Canada.

2. Plant based smoked salmon

Served at the Mr.Root Distribution booth, was what appeared to be thin filets of smoked salmon, adorned with red onion and parsley. The Current Foods protein looked and tasted like smoked salmon, but rather it is a plant-based alternative made with water, pea protein, high-oleic sunflower oil, natural flavours, bamboo fibre, gelifier, potato starch, sea salt, algae oil, lycopene, iron, and vitamin B12.

Founded in 2019, after two and a half years of R&D, Current Foods has the taste and texture of their plant-based salmon and tuna down to a convincing science. Ready to eat straight out of the fridge, the protein has nutrients like vitamin B12 and omega-3’s without microplastics, mercury, or planetary strain. Currently available across Europe and a handful of sushi restaurants in the U.S. Current Foods are not currently in Canada.

3. Cashew banana milk

The Gentle Nut is a plant-based milk company that is going beyond the typical non-dairy alternatives of oat and almond, but expanding their profile with options like cashew banana milk, cashew mango and barista tiger nut or barista pistachio.

The drinks are manufactured in a plant in Italy, using UHT technology for production. Indirect ultra-heat treatment (UHT) maximizes the destruction of microorganisms in dairy products and dairy alternatives while saving the natural aroma of nuts. This technology enables a reduced carbon footprint and, in combination with packaging a long product shelf life.

4. Flour packaged in a carton

A recipient of the Better Future Awards, the Eco Pack by Molino Rossetto produces flour in modern and sustainable packaging. The Eco Pack container is made of FSC paper, from sustainably managed forests, with a cap closure made from bio-based material, a bio-plastic derived from the processing of plant sources. The container is 100 per cent recyclable, along with the film of the transparent windows panel on the sides of the pack. The pack is practical to use, once opened it is simple to use and reseal the product.

5. Plantain croutons

Offering a high nutritional value, Tropic Max has brought a twist to the humble crouton. The gluten-free plantain croutons come in three flavours; sea salt, garlic or spicy. Tropic Max products are shipped world-wide with a presence in Canada.

6. High protein fruit spreads

Photo: TuttoFood / Cascina San Cassiano.

Debuting at the show, Cascina San Cassiano spreads are prepared only with fruit, hydrolyzed collagen and erythritol without added sugars. With ten grams of protein in every 100 grams of product.

Recipent of the Better Future Awards, Innovation Award the spreads are produced in the Italian Alba countryside, available in three flavours: orange, blueberry and apricot.

The family business uses renewable energy to power the production lines through their photovoltaic system. Every year their plant produces over 105,000 kwh with an average saving of about 55,839 kg of CO₂.