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Food innovation takes centre stage at ATU’s New Food Product Development Awards
Students at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) demonstrated creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial flair at the annual New Food Product Development Presentation and Awards Day, held on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, at ATU’s St Angela’s Campus.
Eight final-year students from the BSc (Hons) in Nutrition, Food and Business Management programme presented original food concepts developed as part of their Food Innovation and New Product Development module. The event challenges students to take a product from idea and concept through to prototype development and launch, while also designing packaging, labelling and a business plan.
A panel of industry experts judged the competition, including Robert Hosey, Group Technical Manager at Aurivo, the long-standing sponsor of the event, Tracy Ferguson, Economic Development Officer at Sligo Local Enterprise Office, and Clíodhna Griffin, Business Development Executive at Bord Iascaigh Mhara.
The best overall New Product Development (NPD) prize went to Ciara Mulligan for VitalBites, a range of functional granola bars designed to provide convenient nutrition for busy consumers.
Second prize for the Best Innovative Concept was awarded to Amy Ziegenfuss for Mighty Muffins– hidden-vegetable snack muffins aimed at children, offering a nutritious and appealing way to increase vegetable intake.
Third prize for Best Sensory Experience went to Lucy Mulligan for Lentil Legends, a plant-based, high-fibre lentil patty designed to deliver flavour and texture while supporting healthier eating.
Shauna Kelleher received the Highly Commended Packaging and Marketing Award for Grá Grán Arís (Love Grain Again)- upcycled craft beer pairing crisps made using surplus Irish “wonky” potatoes and dried Irish brewer’s spent grain incorporated into the seasoning mix across the product range.
In addition, Shauna recently achieved second overall prize at the ATU Student Entrepreneur Awards for the same product, marking a significant achievement against strong competition from across the university.
Other students who presented their innovative products included:
- Amelie Roche Duff- Nutterly Creamy, a plant-based tofu and cashew nut spread
- Elizabeth Harney- The Cultured Creamery, a kefir-based ice cream featuring unique flavour combinations
- Ciara Corrigan- NutriFreeze, a natural ingredient ice pop designed for infants and young children experiencing teething, offering soothing and nutritional benefits
- Kessaven Pynee- Dr Cweed, a concentrated vegan dressing made with locally sourced natural ingredients
Speaking at the event, Emma O’Brien, lecturer at ATU and the event organiser, praised the students for their creativity and commitment.
This module gives students the opportunity to experience the full product development journey- from the initial idea through to creating a market-ready prototype. The standard this year was exceptional, with students demonstrating not only innovative food concepts but also strong awareness of sustainability, nutrition and consumer trends. Events like this allow students to showcase their talent and gain valuable feedback from industry experts.
For more information on the BSc (Hons) in Nutrition, Food and Business Management programme at ATU St Angelas, visit www.atu.ie/AU989.
Photo 1: Ciara Mulligan received the Best Overall New Product Development (NPD) and Presentation Award 2026 for VitalBites, a range of functional granola bars designed to provide convenient nutrition for busy consumers. Pictured with L-R: Tracy Ferguson, Economic Development Officer at Sligo Local Enterprise Office, Clíodhna Griffin, Business Development Executive at Bord Iascaigh Mhara, and Robert Hosey, Group Technical Manager at Aurivo.
Photo 2: Amy Ziegenfuss was awarded second prize for Best Innovative Concept for Mighty Muffins- hidden-vegetable snack muffins designed to help children enjoy nutritious snacks.
Photo 3: Lucy Mulligan received third prize for Best Sensory Experience for Lentil Legends, a plant-based, high-fibre lentil patty designed to deliver flavour and texture while supporting healthier eating.
Photo 4: Shauna Keller, the recipient of the Award for Highly Commended Packaging for Grá Grán Arís (Love Grain Again).
Ivana Hanjs
Communications Officer
Tel: +353 89 963 9559
