I recently traveled to the Annual IMR Food Hydrocolloid Conference in Berlin.  This year’s conference attracted over 100 producers, processors and end users of hydrocolloids from around the world. Simply getting there was an accomplishment, as it was held just after the height of the volcanic ash problems over Europe. Fortunately, the winds over Iceland shifted and the majority of scheduled attendees arrived on time. 

The theme was “Necessity is the Mother of Innovation,” so in addition to the standard market and price overviews there were some great presentations around fostering innovation and how to partner to further innovations in hydrocolloids. Listening to these talks, it was comforting to know that innovation in hydrocolloids is not a new concept to TIC Gums. It runs through our culture and, as a result, we have a large portfolio of innovative products to offer including our TicaPAN™ coating systems and FASTir^® quick hydrating products.

For me, however, the highlight of the conference occurred at the very end. A 200 Euro prize would be awarded to the attendee who scored the highest on a 10 question hydrocolloid quiz. Having been in this industry less than 2 years, I certainly had no chance of beating the assembled experts from around the world. I am sure you see where this is going: I correctly answered 8 out of 10 questions and took home the prize! For the first time, I felt like a true Gum Guru.

Gum Guru Guest Blogger: Mat O'Connor, director, global procurement