Gold for Northern Irish Linwoods at SIAL Innovation Middle East

Linwoods Foods, the Northern Irish producer of healthy milled flaxseed, nuts and berries, has struck gold for innovation for the second consecutive year at the SIAL Middle East show in Abu Dhabi.

The company, which is based at Armagh, won the gold award in the Innovation Awards for its unique Sprouted Flaxseed product in the competition from a shortlist of around 30 new products from manufacturers in the US, China, the UAE, India, Thailand, Italy, New Zealand, Singapore and the Philippines.

The SIAL Innovation Area showcases the world's most innovative products, guaranteeing an experience for attendees to learn about upcoming trends in the food and beverage sector. SIAL Middle East 2017 had a record number of around 300 entries from all over the world.

Only open to exhibitors and judged by XTC World Innovation, SIAL Innovation provides an excellent opportunity to showcase new innovative products to thousands of attendees. Part of the global programme, the award is only for newly introduced food and beverage products.

Linwoods, a family-owned and managed business, has pioneered the development of a portfolio of products, including milled flaxseed and other seeds, such as sunflower and pumpkin seeds, goji berries and nuts, as food supplements. In addition to supplements, Linwoods has developed healthy snack foods, Snackettes.

Linwoods has developed a portfolio of nutritionally dense products such to support a healthy, balanced diet and active lifestyle.

The family owned and managed company, headed by John Woods, has been in business for over 50 years and diversified into flaxseeds in 1989. In addition, it has bakery and milk businesses.

Linwoods is the second Northern Irish company to win a gold award for innovation at the prestigious event. Mash Direct, based at Comber in county Down, won gold last year for its crispy bake product.