On Thursday undergraduates at UCC will present a display at the food science and technology complex in the college. This is a matter of some pride for UCC because all the food products on show are new to the market.
This annual event allows visitors to sample the new food ideas which students must bring right through from the initial concept to product and market analyses, presentation and financing.
The final-year students taking the BSc course in food technology and food business work in small groups, with advice from departmental mentors and industry sources.
Usually the students suggest what they believe might be a successful product.
So what delights are in store at this year's showcase? How about filled, coated Jalapeno peppers stuffed with a range of fillings including cream cheese and spinach, freshly ground beef etc?
This product, the students say, can be used as a snack, a meal component or a party food. It fits into the ethnic foods category, they add, one that is attracting increasing attention.
Or maybe a honey-flavoured spread might be to your liking. The student researchers decided that there was a lack of flavoured spreads on the market and to fill the perceived niche came up with the new spread. It includes fresh cream, pure honey, olive oil and polysaccharide gums. It has a golden colour with a smooth texture.
A low-calorie lager has been developed as well, and will be on show on Thursday. Its producers claim that a special filtration system will help to ease the hangover.
Gluten-free breaded and battered chicken products will be part of the extensive food basket on the night. During market research, according to the students, it was found that there were very few convenience products available for coeliacs, who suffer from an intolerance to gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, oats and rye.
Other novelties include liqueurs with an alcohol content of 18 per cent but a lowered calorific content, due to the replacement of sucrose with other sweeteners, and fish and beef parcel - beef and salmon wrapped in filo pastry.
The producers take into account that while beef consumption has declined, there is more emphasis on the importance of fish in the diet.
On the night, an expert panel will adjudicate and award prizes. Towards the end of next month, the faculty will hold an Internet training workshop.