Corvallis, OR – Oregon State University (OSU) and Ever Fresh Fruit Company today announced the launch of the 2026 OSU–Ever Fresh Ice Cream Innovation Contest, a hands-on product development challenge that invites Food Science and Technology students to push the boundaries of ice cream innovation while staying grounded in commercial viability.

The contest has officially kicked off with 12 teams comprising 32 students, and will culminate in a final judging event on April 3, 2026, where student teams will present original ice cream concepts developed in the state-of-the-art OSU Creamery.

Designed to mirror real-world product development, the competition challenges students to balance creativity, clean-label formulation, and commercial viability, which are critical skills for success in today’s evolving ice cream market.

Industry Trends Meet Academic Excellence

To help ground student creativity in current market realities, industry expert and influencer Donna Berry will once again host a webinar focused on emerging ice cream and frozen dessert trends. Berry will also serve as the anchor for the judging panel, which will include leaders from respected ice cream brands including Tillamook, Oregon Ice Cream, and Salt & Straw, with the full roster of judges to be announced soon.

“Anyone can dream up a wild ice cream flavor. The real challenge is making it taste amazing, using real ingredients, and translating it to scale in a commercial environment,” said Scott Geringer, CEO of Ever Fresh Fruit Company. “That’s the line we want students to walk. And that’s where the fun starts.”

Premium Ingredients, Real-World Experience

Ever Fresh Fruit Company will once again provide students with professional-grade formulation ingredients. Participating teams will receive:

• White and chocolate ice cream mix
• Ever Fresh ice cream flavor bases, variegates, syrups, IQF Fruit, and Fruit purees
• Flavor kits from Flavor Producers
• Specialty flavors from Mosaic Flavors
• A variety of sweeteners, spices, and stabilizers

Students will work collaboratively in the OSU Creamery, gaining hands-on experience with formulation, processing, and refinement. Skills that are directly transferable to careers in food and beverage innovation.

“This competition exemplifies the kind of experiential learning we strive to offer at Oregon State,” said Lisbeth Goddik, PhD, Department Head for Food Science and Technology at OSU. “Our students are not just learning theory; they’re applying it in a setting that reflects how products are developed, evaluated, and commercialized in the industry.”

Judging, Prizes, and Recognition

At the April 3 final judging event, teams will present their concepts to the panel, receiving direct feedback from industry experts. The top three teams will receive cash prizes, with first place awarded $1,500, along with recognition across Ever Fresh and OSU channels.

Key Dates

• Registration Deadline: February 6, 2026
• Mid-Term Progress Meetings: Week of February 23–27, 2026
• Final Submission Deadline: March 27, 2026
• Event Finale: April 3, 2026 (OSU Campus)
  • Public Sampling: 3:00–4:00 p.m., Memorial Union
  • Final Presentations: 5:00 p.m., Withycombe Hall
  • Reception: Immediately following the announcement of winners

Additional milestones and participation details will be shared directly with student teams.