Creator of natural alternatives to single-use plastic, Xampla, has been announced as the winner of Best New Business at the eighth annual World Food Innovation Awards.
The World Food Innovation Awards, in partnership with IFE, celebrate the most ambitious developments in the food and beverage industry over the last 12 months. The judging panel, including senior figures from Selfridges, JourneyFoods and Mission Ventures, considered entries from over 22 countries before choosing final winners across 25 categories.
Xampla secured the Best New Business award in recognition of its growth since 2020, bringing its breakthrough material to market with global brands including soft drinks manufacturer Britvic. In 2021, Xampla partnered with meal kit retailer Gousto to create the world’s first edible stock cube wrapper.
Xampla was also a finalist in two further two categories, Best Technology Innovation and Best Ingredient Innovation, in recognition of its edible film and nutrient microcapsule technology.
As a University of Cambridge spin-out, Xampla has spent 15 years researching and pioneering the world’s first plant protein polymer for commercial use. Xampla is committed to replacing the most polluting single-use plastics as well as hidden plastics, such as microplastics within laundry products and is the first UK University spin-out to be awarded B Corp status.
Simon Hombersley, CEO of Xampla, said:
Over the past two years, Xampla has seen exponential growth, working with global brands to develop world first products using our sustainable and natural alternative to single-use plastic. Earlier this year we announced the opening of our second lab in Cambridge and with this Best New Business award under our belt, we are looking forward to further developing our innovation over the next 12 months with more partnerships to come.
