Angliss Student takes home top confectionery award
It was with much excitement that Angliss saw Food Science and Technology student Stuart MacQueen-Thomson take home the Sollich Award, for being the most technically skilled contestant. The award was presented at ConTech Conference and Expo 2022 at the MCG.
Every year, Sollich, the renowned German confectionary production company, awards a cash prize of $2000 to an Angliss student for excellence in confectionary production to encourage students to establish a career in the sector.
The prize was presented by Allied Industries' CEO Martin Crumpton to Stuart, recognising him for his significant confectionary knowledge that he developed while studying at the Institute.
Stuart exclaimed, “When I was told that I’d won the award, I didn’t believe it at first, I thought the email was spam. It was only when I got the phone call from Allied Industries that I understood that I’d won.”
“The greatest thing about the award was having the chance to learn how to develop product with a basis of science, with a big focus on sensory analysis, “Stuart said.
Stuart showed true commitment and dedication to his work with some very early starts to his day While studying at the Institute, he was also working full-time at Bisk Catering (Elizabeth Andrews) often starting at 3am. When asked how anyone would manage those hours, he said, “We’ve just got to get through it.”
Stuart admitted to developing the love for, not only cooking and science, but the process of learning. “I fell in love with study, I just want to keep learning and delve deeper into the science of ingredients, its functionality and its forms,” he said.
Kathy Majstorovic, the Institute’s Food Processing Coordinator said, “This award is a great link between industry and the Institute, using the latest teaching applications for our students.”
She continued, “It was especially encouraging to see so many Angliss students attend the award ceremony to show their support and learn more about Sollich as well as industry pathways in confectionary technology.”
ConTech is regarded as the biggest confectionery conference in Australasia and is host to a myriad of guest speakers who are at the top of their game. The Ai Group event also offers attendees the opportunity to network with peers and professionals to gain invaluable insights.
Kathy concluded, “Now that the conference is back since COVID-19 disruptions and delivered in a face to face format, it is strongly encouraged that more students attend upcoming ConTech Conference events.” Not only will there be information about the confectionary industry, but opportunities within food sciences, procurement, packing, distribution and trends in the sector more broadly.
If you’re interested to learn more about the Diploma of Food Science and Technology, please visit the link here
