The startups Field Food AG from Illnau in the canton of Zurich and IRISgo from Horw in the canton of Lucerne have each won the Igeho Rising Star Awards innovation prize at Igeho, the biggest platform for the catering and hotel industry. The jury prize went to Field Food for its plant-based egg products under the EggField brand. IRISgo secured the audience award for its reusable cups. Each company wins prize money of 2,500 Swiss francs.
Field Food specializes in plant-based egg alternatives. It makes the liquid product EggField One Aquafaba, as well as the powder version EggField Plus, from pulses, vegetable proteins and natural starches. The foaming, emulsifying, binding and gelling properties make the products an equivalent substitute for whole eggs, egg whites and egg yolks in a wide range of recipes, according to the company. Previously, egg substitutes lacked flavour and were unable to replicate the “unique textures” of the original. Another reason that many consumers avoid conventional plant-based egg alternatives is the long list of artificial ingredients and additives on the label.
The Horw-based startup IRISgo develops and produces recyclable thermal cups. Thanks to their lidless closure system, they stand out from other products on the market. Additionally, coffee flavour lasts longer thanks to the wider opening. The IRISgo cup can be cleaned by hand, is leak-proof and, if handled correctly, prevents accidental opening. The cups also offer greater protection against knockout drops and other substances. According to the company, it was a susbtances incident that led to the founding of the company. Inspiration also came from a James Bond film intro.
