lunch! 2026 Innovation Challenge: The Results
The Innovation Challenge returned to lunch! 2026, highlighting the most innovative food-to-go products launched within the last 12 months. This popular session featured shortlisted companies – selected by visitor votes – pitching their products live on stage.
A panel of expert judges then put the products to the test, awarding Gold, Silver, or Bronze to the most outstanding innovations.
This year’s judges were:
- Alice Hutfield, Director of Innovation, KFC
- Louise Direito, Category Innovation & Development Director, Starbucks EMEA
- Georgina Irwin, Food Retail Concessions Lead, Harrods
- Rachel Rutherford, Senior Buyer, Waitrose
- Vikesh Patel, Group MD, Patisserie Valerie
- Matt Cundrick, Managing Director, FTG Navigator
- Kallie Kocourek, Hospitality Consultant, GSD Collective
- Edyta Stec, Former Ops Director, GAIL’s
- Olivia Vachon, Head of Marketing, Wraps & Wings
The results were:
Gold
Delve – Tomato & Tuscan Herbs Roasted Oat Crisps
Reimagining the snacking category. The judges loved the packaging, the ingredients and the taste.
Dot Dot Tea- Lychee Bubble Bottle
Playful and fun, with packaging that really stands out – and it tastes delicious.
Dundeis – Noisy Snacks Smoky BBQ Protein Puffs 30g
The judges loved the protein focus, praising the delicious smoky BBQ flavour.
Kooky – Gently Dried Coconut
An exciting healthy snack with a great price point that will disrupt the category.
MOJU – Honey Lemon Immunity Blend
Loved the flavours – broad appeal thanks to its healthy taste.
Pip Organic – Strawberry and Banana Pipcrunch
A snack kids will love – innovative, with great ingredients.
SOOP – Mugs
An amazing idea, creating an on-the-go moment for soup through packaging innovation, using classic soup flavours.
Spooners – Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Loved the concept and packaging borrowing equity from ice cream – and it’s delicious.
UNROOTED – High Fibre Breakfast Smoothie, Pineapple, Mango & Baobab 150g
Tropical, functional and not your average smoothie! The judges loved the innovative pouch format.
Zombie Snacks – Real Fruit Stringz, Strawburied
A fun alternative treat with an appealing vegan twist.
Silver
Biomel – Love Your Gut Chocolate Protein Drink
Packed with protein and fibre – a tasty recipe without compromising on health.
The Coconut Collab – Coconut Water
Judges loved the passion and simplicity, with quality ingredients front and centre.
Spraga – Organic Kombucha, Apple & Pear
Familiar flavours that make Kombucha more accessible to new customers.
TRIP – Tropical Mango
Loved the nutrient focus and mindful ingredients – refreshing and impactful.
UCC – Ueshima Matcha Syrup
Easy and accessible for on the go, with matcha flavour coming through beautifully.
Bronze
Asvina – Patented Baked Shapes
Fun, innovative and unique – judges loved the customisation.
isqueeze – Smoodi
Celebrated for creating an on-the-go solution for smoothies.
For more information and to see the full list of entries in the Innovation Challenge, click HERE.
