New frozen yogurt is a global award winner

Yomega 3, a new and unique Greek-style frozen yogurt developed in Northern Ireland has won 'The Best Frozen Yogurt' in the prestigious World Dairy Innovation Awards in Dublin.

Development of the frozen yogurt, which is enriched with Omega 3 and Vitamin D, was assisted by experts at the Food Innovation Centre at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) at Loughry, near Cookstown for Belfast based Paradox Omega Oils and Ice Cream Treats of Kilgarry in county Cavan. It's the first time a Northern Irish company has been part of a winning team in the World Dairy Innovation Awards.

Yomega is available in three flavours: raspberry, mango and vanilla and is also a finalist in the Blas na hEireann, Irish National Food Awards, the final of which will be held in Dingle at the end of September.

The 11th annual World Dairy Innovation Awards attracted entries from over 20 countries in 19 different categories. The level of innovation shown within the entries included new flavours, new concepts, clever packaging, state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies and new ground gained towards a more responsible and sustainable dairy industry.

Isabel Sturgess, marketing director of FoodBev Media, which organises the annual awards, said: "This is the eleventh annual World Dairy Innovation Awards, and once again we are fascinated by the level of innovation that is shown within the entries. We see new flavours, new concepts, clever packaging, state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies and new ground gained towards a more responsible and sustainable dairy industry.

"The World Dairy Innovation Awards really showcase some of the most ambitious new products and developments of the year, from a wide range of companies all over the world, both large and small. Keep an eye on the latest entries to spot the upcoming trends."

CAFRE said Yomega 3 was first developed at Loughry when Paradox Omega Oils received an Innovation Voucher from Invest Northern Ireland in 2014. The voucher allowed them to partner with dairy technologists at Loughry to investigate the manufacturing requirements to develop a healthy yogurt product containing Omega3 and more importantly ensure the nutrient levels remained stable throughout the shelf life of the product.

Dr Geoff Hayhurst, managing director of Paradox Omega Oils, said: "The work which began at Loughry to develop an Omega 3 yogurt was crucial in allowing the company to develop further this frozen yogurt to include Omega 3 and vitamin D and is now being manufactured by Ice Cream Treats in collaboration with ourselves."

Paradox is a world leader in the development of Omega 3 oils and exports its range of products worldwide.

Loughry's dairy technologists work with approximately 40 dairy companies annually to provide technology support to ensure the businesses continue to thrive within a competitive sector.