Corvallis, OR – Ten teams of Oregon State University Food Science & Technology students brought their boldest ideas to the table—and the freezer—at the final judging event of the 2025 OSU/Ever Fresh Fruit Company Ice Cream Innovation Contest, held Friday, May 30 on the OSU campus.
After an afternoon of presentations, tasting, and deliberation, the following teams were awarded top honors:
First Place – Team “Thinking On It”
Sarah Medrano, Hussain Alrumaih, Teagan Knox, Camryn Lau
Second Place – Team “Scoop Sisters”
Ellie Kojima, Alyssa Moy, Sage Briggs, Molly Hagen
Third Place – Team “Ever Fruity”
Erika Mariana Llamas, Reagan Hansen, Gabriela Jones
“These student teams brought an impressive level of sophistication to their products—managing the complexity of using commercial flavors, creative integration of inclusions and swirls, and solving tough challenges with texture,” said Melanie Oeck, Product Development Manager at Ever Fresh Fruit Company and Director of the contest. “The final entries rivaled some commercially developed concepts—and that speaks volumes about the quality of OSU’s Food Science and Technology program.”
The panel of judges featured leaders from across the ice cream and food media landscape, including:
- Donna Berry, Dairy & Food Communications, Daily Dose of Dairy
- Steve McCready, Head of Commercialization, Salt & Straw
- Anna Ku, R&D Director – Frozen Desserts, Tillamook County Creamery
- Hayley Sykes, R&D Manager, Oregon Ice Cream
- Rich Oliva, Senior Account Executive, Flavor Producers
- Emily Teel, Freelance Journalist and former Senior Food Editor, Better Homes & Gardens
The event was emceed by Dirk Davis, Ever Fresh Fruit Company Director of Customer Account Management and proud OSU Food Science alum (Class of 1984).
The first-place team were awarded $1,500 and an opportunity to commercialize their flavor at the OSU Creamery, with second and third place receiving $1,000 and $500, respectively.
Now in its inaugural year, the Ice Cream Innovation Contest challenged students to develop commercially viable ice cream concepts using premium, clean-label ingredients supplied by Ever Fresh Fruit Company, Lochmead Dairy, Flavor Producers, and The Ice Cream Factory.
About Ever Fresh Fruit Company
Ever Fresh Fruit Company is a trusted partner to leading food and beverage brands, known for its high-quality fruit-based formulations and indulgent inclusions. Focused on clean-label innovation, the company provides custom solutions for frozen desserts, dairy, bakery, and specialty beverages. Learn more at www.everfreshfruit.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
About OSU’s Department of Food Science and Technology
A leader in applied food science education, Oregon State University’s Food Science and Technology program blends research, hands-on learning, and strong industry partnerships to prepare students for successful careers in product innovation, food safety, and sustainable production.