Nicolas participated in Ecotrophelia, a European product development competition, which can be named as the Eurovision of Food. Together with his teammates Randi and Mijung, they won the Dutch finals and this led them to present their product representing the Netherlands. They showcased their innovative product Choco-Quino at a European level at Anuga 2013 - one of the largest food expos in the world. They managed to win the second prize and shared a 4000 EURO monetary prize. Ecotrophelia is sponsored by the European Commission and a number of blue-chip industry partners such as Nestle and Campden BRI.
Choco-Quino is a chocolate quinoa beverage high in protein that is produced from only natural and fairtrade ingredients. The primary ingredients in the drink are water and quinoa. Quinoa is 100% organic and is being utilised from the protein waste of a company in Sweden, which uses the starch of the quinoa grain to produce all-natural skin moisturising creams. The rest of the ingredients are sugar, UTZ-certified cocoa powder, salt and vanilla extract. The beverage is low in fat as well as lactose and gluten-free and contains all of the essential amino acids required. The product is UHT (Ultra High Temperature) sterilised and packaged in shelf-stable Tetra Pak packages. This way of processing reduces the amount of spoiled product since it substantially increases the shelf-life, eliminates the need for refrigerated transport and storage, and makes it safe and convenient.
Choco-Quino can be enjoyed by all ages, especially by children and lactose-intolerant individuals, as well as vegans who are looking for a healthy and delicious dairy alternative. Our product can provide consumers with an enhanced nutritional benefit since it offers a high proportion of the daily protein requirement with a low amount of fat and calories.
