ISM & PROSWEETS 2016
Heimatgut wins ISM innovation award for triple-baked coconut chips
The manufacturer’s wasabi-flavored coconut chips was voted one of the top three innovations by visitors to the event’s New Product Showcase, which displayed innovative confectionery and snacking products from around the world (see box, right).
ISM New Product Showcase award winners
The three winners of this year's ISM New Product Showcase Top Innovations awards were:
- Katjes Magic Candy Factory - 3D printer for fruit gums
- Heimatgut - coconut crisps - wasabi
- Boncha Boncha - edible digital selfie
Set to come to market next month, the wasabi chips is one variant in a new range of coconut chips that includes Original, Salt & Vinegar and Chocolate flavors and is set to retail at around €2 for a 40 g bag.
They are made using a triple-baking process that involves baking and cooling them three times – resulting in a crunchier texture than other coconut chips on the market, claims the Hamburg-based business, which made its debut in 2012 with the launch of cabbage chips.
Business philosophy
“The philosophy behind the business was - and is - to make snacks that are more healthy, that you can sit on the couch and eat with a beer but know you are eating some healthier,” junior operations manager Dominik Rusteberg told BakeryAndSnacks this week.
Heimatgut was founded by Maurice Fischer and Aryan Moghaddam, joint managing directors of the business, after they struggled to find a healthy snack.
Gentle dehydration
Selecting savoy cabbage for its vitamin and mineral content, the business developed a process it describes as “extra gentle dehydration” to produce the cabbage chips.
Initially launched in three flavors – Cheesy Paprika, Sour Cream & Onion and Italian Herb - they were joined by Sweet Mustard flavor last year. All products are free from artificial additives and preservatives.
The business has since expanded into sweet potato chips – also air dried – and sells its products through German retailers including supermarket chain Edeka.
Domestic demand is growing quickly, with the business increasing its production capacity by around 200% since last summer, although export business has been limited.
“Our main markets are Germany and Switzerland, but we would like to export to many other countries in future,” said Rusteberg.
