AN Australian native lime company has beaten some of the world’s biggest fresh produce companies to claim the highly prized, Fruit Logistica Innovation Award.
Limeburst Fingerlimes was awarded the top gong at Fruit Logistica in Berlin, the largest fruit and vegetable trade show on the planet.
Branded as “citrus caviar”, Limeburst Fingerlimes hold their juice within small bubbles, or vesicles, that burst when chewed, releasing a tangy lime flavour.
The varieties were introduced to the market just last year.
To put the Goliath-toppling success into perspective, Limeburst Fingerlimes beat the Jamie Oliver "Grow Your Own" herb range from the Casa Group, Denmark which came second, and the Netherlands’ creation, the Almond Mushroom by Prime Champ, a mushroom with a distinctive nutty flavour, which placed third.
There were seven other finalists including Syngenta Seeds’ new mini plum tomato, the Sweet Sensation Pear, and renowned Italian apple breeding company Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti’s series of five new apple varieties.
It is reportedly the first time the award has gone to a non-European nation.
According to the Fruit Logistica judging comments: “Chefs have been quick to realise its (Limeburst’s) potential not only as a novel and unique product but also as a key taste accompaniment to both complex and simple dishes.”
Fingerlimes have only recently been developed for marketing on an international scale, and are targeted chiefly at the high end restaurant and food service sector.
James Boyd, managing director of Limeburst Australia, said it had been a steady path toward the recognition.
"It has taken 15 years to develop the product to this level of sophistication,” Mr Boyd said.
“The Innovation Award will help our business to gain further ground in the market.”
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