A career executive and industry leader in the food industry, John Blazevich is a former president and CEO of Contessa Premium Foods. Throughout his career, he introduced innovative food products and platforms and has held numerous global and national patents, copyrights, and trademarks. John Blazevich has been recognized on different platforms and won various accolades, including the Salon International de l'alimentation. (SIAL) "Best Frozen Food in the World."
Established in 1996, SIAL Innovation provides a platform to showcase global food trends and innovation through exhibitions. As part of the global SIAL program, for one year, separate innovation events occur at different locations, including Paris, Canada, China, India, Jakarta, and the Middle East.
Each location features three qualification criteria comprising bronze, silver, and gold, with the winning product proceeding to the global event-the SIAL Innovation World Champions Tour. The tour allows the buyers to discover innovations from the global marketplace, experience the latest trends, and meet the exhibitors.
Applicants receive an email on the exhibition opening. One should respond to the email and register the innovative products online. The product can be eligible for several SIAL events. Expert selection committees pre-judge the products and shortlist several products from the submissions.
The selection is forwarded to the grand jury, composed of agri-food professionals, chefs, and other experts in the food industry, for the final verdict. The products that get the jury's approval seek to address the consumer's zeal for change, simplicity, authenticity, and social and environmental commitment through food trends and innovation.
