Innovative meat flake idea wins top prize at inaugural Dragon’s Den competition

Renyu Zhang, a senior scientist with AgResearch, won the inaugural contest, which challenged Kiwis to develop groundbreaking ideas to advance New Zealand’s red meat processing industry.

A total of 42 entries were received, with Zhang beating four other finalists to secure a prize of up to $10,000 to develop a business case and progress the idea into a research project.

Zhang’s ‘unamification’ of MDM proposal outlined a novel process to transform lower-value MDM into a meat flake with high unami (savoury flavour) which would be stable at room temperature and have uses as a protein enhancer and snack food.

Sirma Karapeeva, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association, said the high calibre of entries made selecting the five finalists and ultimately the winner a challenging task.

“The competition recognised that many people have transformative ideas but may lack the resources to bring them to life.

“We sought bold, innovative concepts in meat industry research and development that align with the Government’s ambitious goal of doubling export value.

“All the finalists deserved credit, however, Zhang’s idea stood out both for the innovative process proposed and the opportunities for global interest in such a product.”

Zhang said he was pleased to win the competition and get an opportunity to take the project to the next stage.

“I’m honoured to win this inaugural Dragon’s Den event, and grateful to MIA for this opportunity,” he said.

“We have exciting opportunities to turn low-value streams from the meat industry into high-value, uniquely Kiwi products that can strengthen our global presence and add to our unique Kiwi taste profile. I look forward to working with industry partners to bring this vision to life.”

The Dragon’s Den final took place at the joint AgResearch-MIA Meat Innovation Workshop in Palmerston North on 11 March.

Contestants each had five minutes to pitch their ideas to the judging panel, followed by five minutes of Q&A with the judges and audience.

The judging panel featured industry leaders, Sirma Karapeeva, Andrew Clark, investment manager, Ministry for Primary Industries’ sustainable food and fibre team, Steve Cartwright, business manager, healthcare, ANZCO Foods and Bruce Fyfe, general manager, commercial, Auckland Meat Processors.