AIFST - Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology

The AIFST Student Product Development Competition is open to groups of undergraduate AIFST student members. Entries consist of a proposal for a new food product. The prizes are announced and presented at the Annual Convention Dinner, which will be held 17th July at the Adelaide Convention and Exhibition Centre, Adelaide, South Australia.

Download the Student Product Development Competition Manual of Rules and Procedures 2012

Aims

• Promote professionalism and innovative thinking;
• Provide an opportunity to develop skills working as a team member and integrating
• individual contributions into a group report,
• Provide a link between industry, students and the AIFST;
• Allow food industry representatives the opportunity to spot talented students for potential employment.
• Encourage involvement in the Australian Institute of Food Science & Technology Incorporated;

Overview

Entries for the competition are to consist of a proposal for a “new” food product submitted from undergraduate students. Preliminary proposals are to be submitted for judging and from these two finalist teams are selected. Finalists then prepare a final written proposal; an oral presentation and a display for a poster session at the AIFST Annual Convention, and samples of their products for judging. Prizes are awarded for these top two products and the teams and products are then highlighted in an edition of food Australia. To be eligible to enter the student must be a member of AIFST, and an undergraduate, or postgraduate student in 2011 or 2012.

Deadlines

15th March 2012 Deadline for Written Proposals (to be sent to AIFST National Office)
10th May 2012 Notify finalists for the Student Product Development Competition
25th June 2012 Deadline for ‘Powerpoint’ presentations and brief CV for all finalists (to be sent to AIFST National Office).
15th - 18th July 2012 45th Annual AIFST Convention commences at the Adelaide Convention and Exhibition Centre, Adelaide, SA

• Oral presentations for finalists
• Product sampling and defence for finalists
• Poster session display for finalists. Posters to be displayed throughout the Annual Convention.

Prizes

All finalists will receive all expenses paid travel, accommodation and registration (for up to 3 team members) to the AIFST Annual Convention. The teams and products will also be featured in the official AIFST publication food Australia.

1st Place:  $1000 and plaque to display at the students’ Institution
2nd Place: $500

The 2011 competition was won by Jessica Florence, & Afrizal, from Deakin University, with their "So Chicky" soy-chickpea cracker with chia and poppy seeds. Click here to read more about the 2011 finalists.