The student team won the top accolade after impressing an expert panel of judges with their eco-innovative sustainable food product at the live final, which was held at Gastronomica, Colworth Science Park near Bedford.
Now in its 14th year, Ecotrophelia UK challenges student teams to develop an environmentally sustainable food or drink product from concept to market-ready prototype.
This year’s final brought together seven finalist teams from universities across the UK to pitch their idea to leading figures in the food and drink industry.
Judges said that Favé stood out for its “creative concept, technical excellence, and market potential”.
Dr Craig Leadley, Chief Executive of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), said: “Congratulations to Favé on a thoroughly deserved win. The standard of innovation on display at this year’s final was exceptional, with every team demonstrating real commitment to sustainability, consumer insight, and technical rigour.”
Bertrand Emond, Ambassador at Campden BRI, added: “Ecotrophelia is a fantastic platform and source of eco-innovation and inspiration for the industry capitalising on the creativity and energy of our brightest and most enterprising food students supported by the best academic institutions.”
Also celebrating success on the day were Capy Pancakes from the University of Leeds, who earned the silver medal, and ReHive from the University of Nottingham, who took bronze.
The winner of the Food Safety Award was Spent and Spicy from the University of Nottingham, who demonstrated exceptional knowledge and understanding in producing a safe product.
The winning team receive a £2,000 cash prize, one year’s free membership to IFST, and mentorship from the judges to help refine their product and pitch ahead of the European competition.
As UK champions, they will now represent the UK at the prestigious Ecotrophelia Europe final, taking place at SIAL Paris 2026 between 17-21 October.
The 2026 UK finalists were:
- BrewsGate - Teesside University
- CapyPancakes - University of Leeds
- Fibran - University of Surrey
- IndulgeCo - University of Reading
- Luna SFere - University of Reading
- ReHive - University of Nottingham
- Spent and Spicy - University of Nottingham
