Food company apetito, has won a prestigious Innovation Award at the Food & Drink Federation Awards for 2013. The company has been recognised amongst strong competition for their texture-modified range of meals for those who suffer with difficulties chewing and swallowing (dysphagia).
The Food and Drink Federation’s annual awards recognise innovation and creativity from UK food and drink manufacturers. apetito was shortlisted in the Innovation Award category for two of their products: the CarteChoix range – a plated meal system that serves hospital patients a delicious, nutritious meal on a warm china plate in less than five minutes; and the texture-modified range of meals which triumphed in the category on the night. The Innovation Award recognises significant achievements made by entrants over the past three years in leading edge product development.
One million in UK suffer with chewing and swallowing
Over one million people in the UK suffer problems with chewing and swallowing – a condition called dysphagia. It is often associated with dementia, stroke, throat surgery, multiple sclerosis, cancers, head injury and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, meaning that mealtimes can be challenging – both for the sufferer and those catering for them. Traditionally, dysphagia sufferers had been offered either mashed or liquidised foods, which not only looked unappetising, but lacked distinctive flavours.
Paul Freeston, apetito Chief Executive, commented: “As a company we provide meals to some of the country’s most vulnerable people, so we ensure that our offerings are as tasty and visually appealing as they possibly can be.
“Back in 2010, we were extremely proud to launch the first phase of texture-modified meals and desserts for people with dysphagia. No other food company in the world had then managed to create moulded meals that looked like the real thing, and kept their shape upon cooking.
“We are always looking to improve our offering for healthcare, care homes and community meals customers – and as such we strive to ensure we are continually innovating. It is therefore fantastic that we have been recognised as innovators within our industry.”
For more information click here or call 01225 756071
About apetito
Trowbridge-based apetito is a leading provider of food for care homes, hospitals, community meals and private homes via the Wiltshire Farm Foods franchise. apetito is also one the UK’s most successful food companies, with 13 consecutive years of sales growth that has put them in the top 5% of the UK food industry for return on sales.