Product of the Year is one of the most important professional competitions during the Trøndelag Food Festival and Trondheim Beer Festival. All submitted products are evaluated by an independent jury consisting of chefs, sommeliers, and food and beverage experts.
The jury evaluates the products based on taste, texture, appearance, sustainability, and overall experience.
It is inspiring to see both the breadth and quality of this year’s entries. Many producers combine traditional craftsmanship with innovation, and the standard has been exceptionally high across all categories. At the same time, the jury has placed great emphasis on providing constructive feedback that producers can take with them in the further development of their products.
Strong diversity across categories, with room for further development in the region
“There were many excellent products in this year’s meat category, but we would have liked to see greater variation in preparation methods and processing,” says Christopher Davidsen of Tollbua. “We saw many of the same techniques repeated, and while much of it demonstrated strong craftsmanship, it is often the simplest products that allow the raw ingredients to speak for themselves that stand out. Less seasoning and a greater focus on the quality of the raw material can be a strength. At the same time, we see significant potential for further development in the region. Aroma, flavour, and the overall experience are important, and packaging is part of that. An enormous amount of work goes into producing these products, but that effort is not always reflected in the final presentation. There is a real opportunity here. Producers should ask themselves: What makes my product unique? How can I stand out in the marketplace?”
“The Gift Product category has tremendous potential,” says Mette Evensen of Le Bistro. “There are opportunities here for the corporate market, international tourists, and consumers looking for a locally rooted hostess gift. A food gift can be a great alternative to the traditional bottle of wine – whether it is a local beverage, an exciting vinegar, or a cheese paired with complementary products.
It is also exciting to consider how physical products can be combined with digital experiences and storytelling. I believe many producers have significant untapped potential in this area.”
The jury was also pleased with several categories, including dairy products and confectionery.
“The overall standard of the products was extremely high. It is inspiring to see how producers are working with product development and refining both traditional and new products. Compared to the last time I served on the jury (2024), it is clear that a great deal of exciting progress has taken place within both the dairy and confectionery categories,” says Evensen.
The nominees are:
Product of the Year – Meat Product
Tradition, craftsmanship and outstanding flavours
- Reinsdyr entrecôte – Stensaas
- Trollheim spekeskinke – Trollheim
- Flat Iron – Trollheim
Product of the Year – Seafood Product
From sea and fjord to the jury table
- Garnvik kaldrøkt laks med einebær og fenikkel – Garnvik AS
- Multegravet røye – LiVERTEN
- Matjessild – Ankeret Mat AS
Product of the Year – Bakery and Grain Product
Grain craftsmanship in many forms
- Flatbrød – Trollheim
- Glutenfri focaccia – Triv
- Gluten- og melkefritt havrebrød – Triv
Product of the Year – Sweet Product
Sweet creations with something extra
- Glutenfri sitronterte – Triv AS
- Lakrisbomber – Fru Nelik
- Lakris-Lars – Gangstad Gårdsysteri
Product of the Year – Dairy Product
Milk refinement at its finest
- Grusomme Blå – Hitra Gårdsmat
- Snøfnugg – Gangstad Gårdsysteri
- Ungkaren – Hitra Gårdsmat
Product of the Year – Non-Alcoholic Beverage
Innovative drinks with broad appeal
- Perlende Solbær – Røros Drikkeri
- Rabarbra – Inderøy Mosteri
- Frisider – Gardsbrenneriet
Product of the Year – Alcoholic Beverage
Flavour, balance and character in the glass
- Gammel Tysland – Inderøy Brenneri
- Epledram – Mikkelhaug
- Kobberslager – Hogna Brygg
Product of the Year – Organic Product
Sustainability as a competitive advantage
- Hitra Blå – Hitra Gårdsmat
- Ung Grotteost – Hitra Gårdsmat
- Grotteost, ekstra lagret – Hitra Gårdsmat
Product of the Year – Gift Product
Local food presented as a gift experience
- Viking Spice – Hitra Krydder
- Treasures – Smaker fra Øyrike
- Tverås gift package – Tverås
Product of the Year – Newcomer
This year’s freshest challengers
- ChiliKlaus BBQ Habanero Chips – Frosta Chips
- Speik-Issider – Inderøy Mosteri
- Grill- og burgersaus – 64 Grader Nord AS
Open Category
Products that follow their own path
- Frostacos – Frostacos
- Plommesmør – Likanes
- Tørket pollen – Unheim
Product of the Year – Brew
Brewing craftsmanship at its finest
- Spitsbergen – Svalbard Bryggeri
- Trysilkysset – Trysil Bryggeri
- Hoptopia IPA – Monkey Brew
A special thank you to this year’s jury:
This year’s jury consists of Sigve Eliassen, Googoosh Rohani, Lisbeth Størvold, Henrik Dahl Jansen, Christopher Davidsen, Filmom Fitsum, Mette Julius Evensen, Tommy Holen Helland, Andrei Calin Pop, Espen Aunaas, Rune Lindgård and Susanna Puttonen.
