Le Festival International Des Saveurs (FIDS) 2025 will be the major culinary event of the year. More than 100 exhibitors on 7,000 m² and some 80,000 visitors are expected in August at Côte d’Or. Celebrating the cuisine of the islands, the festival innovates with a competition designed to reward the best Mauritian confectioner, who will be supported in launching his or her business.
“The aim of the competition is to support the creation of a brand and confectionery products made exclusively from local ingredients, intended for national, regional and international mass distribution. This initiative aims to stimulate innovation while promoting local resources, by highlighting projects with strong growth and sustainability potential”, explains Alain Bertrand, CEO of the organizing company, Festival International Des Saveurs . During the festival, the cuisines of the Indian Ocean and East Africa will be showcased as part of the world’s cultural heritage.
Open to citizens of Mauritius and its dependencies and permanent residents aged 18 and over, the competition welcomes individual or group projects (teams of 2 to 4 people). Companies must be in the concept or start-up phase and registered expressly for the purposes of the competition.
The prize: a cash prize of Rs 100,000, a FIDS Ltd stake in the winning company, a first purchase order signed with a major retailer, as well as privileged access to a network of professionals and mentoring workshops.
Creativity is king, as long as certain criteria are met: the majority of product components must come from Mauritius, with a 20% tolerance for ingredients from the Indian Ocean. All products must be certified by local cooperatives, farms or suppliers. Projects will be assessed on their innovation, socio-economic impact, sustainability and market appeal.
Candidates will be able to offer revisited classic confectionery (bonbons, caramels, nougats, fruit jellies), as well as chocolates (tablettes, pralines, ganaches). Local-style cookies and madeleines will also be appreciated, as will sweet snacks based on tropical fruits and vegan or gluten-free confectionery. Mauritian heritage will be showcased through original creations, such as a confectionery version of a “potato cake” or a bourbon vanilla nougatine. Functional confections, enriched with beneficial ingredients such as honey or ginger, complete this gourmet palette.
Registration from May 15 to June 16 : https://innovations-gourmandes.com
Contact: 5930 9104
www.fids-maurice.online
