Top innovation award for Northern Ireland's CocoMojo

Northern Ireland's CocoMojo, a specialist in coconut and other health drinks, has been named Best Soft Beverage in the Innovation Awards at Gulfood 2017.

The drink processor, which is based at Lisburn in county Antrim, gained the prestigious award for its CocoMojo Bean drink, a refreshing blend of pure young green coconut water with smooth coconut milk and coffee making this the low sugar, dairy-free coffee drink in a 250ml can.

CocoMojo products are also free from gluten, preservatives and refined sugars. The company has also won other national awards for its range of healthy drinks including an Irish Quality Food and Drink Award.

Gulfood Innovation Awards are now among the world's most prestigious and are in their eight year at the show in the Dubai World Trade Centre in the commercial heart of the United Arab Emirates.

Coco Mojo was established in 2014 to develop healthy drinks from coconut water and milk. In addition to drinks, the company produces coconut oil and ingredients such as coconut sugar and flour.

There are 57 finalists in 18 different categories in the awards.

Now in its 28th year, Gulfood is the world's largest annual food and beverage exhibition, welcoming food and beverage professionals from all corners of the globe to meet for five days of business within this central hub for international trade and commerce.

Launched as a biennial event in 1987, the exhibition has grown to promote trade between more than 120 countries annually, enabling 5,000 providers of raw materials and ingredients to showcase the tastes, trends and innovations that are shaping the future of food and beverage consumption worldwide.