The Aurora Ceres Blog

131 posts

A cut apple starting to brown

ACTION CALL F319/24/1: Alternatives to Ascorbic Acid

Challenge: Alternatives to ascorbic acid as anti-browning agents Client: Added value fruit product producer Background: Cut fruits and vegetables are susceptible to browning due to the oxidation of tyrosinase enzyme (Tyr), also known as polyphenol oxidase (PPO). This is often referred to as enzymatic browning and is typically inhibited through the application […]

Next Generation Cooking - A old black and white image of women packing food in a factory.

ACTION CALL F309/24/2: Next Generation Cooking

Challenge: Next Generation Cooking to improve operational efficiency of manufacturing processes Client: Global Food manufacturer Background: A key process step in the production of a wholegrain wheat product is the gelatinisation of wholegrain starch through steam cooking. As part of strategic planning for the ‘factory of the future’, the client is actively […]

pH Boost - Orange pieces swirling in water bubbles

ACTION CALL: F309/24/1 pH Boost

Challenge: To identify natural materials, that can be incorporated into a product to provide a phased or pulsed delivery to ensure constant “pH boost”. Client: Global FMCG manufacturer Background: In the product, the delivery of flavour and active ingredients is enhanced at elevated pH (> pH 8.0). However, as the product is […]

ACTION CALL: F24/170/1 Inert Filler

Challenge: To identify natural materials, that can be incorporated into a powder based food product, to act as an inert filler, increase the bulk density and act as as a carrier for active ingredients with little or minimal interaction with other ingredients or functional components. Client: Global FMCG manufacturer Background: Increasing the […]

Controlled release

ACTION CALL: F24/099/1 Controlled Release

Challenge:  Enhance the functionality and organoleptic properties of its products through the application of delayed or controlled release technology, such as encapsulation of functional, active or flavour components. Client: Global FMCG manufacturer Background: Controlling the release of functional or flavour components in food and drink products is beneficial, as it allows the […]

Perforated packaging materials

ACTION CALL: P24/024/3 Perforated packaging material.

Challenge:  A perforated packaging material, either permeable or semi-permeable to allow the controlled release of active ingredients. Client: Global FMCG manufacturer Background: A packaging material, similar to a tea-bag, is used to contain a functional product.  The current product is limited in its ability to control the release of the functional components […]

Coating Technology

ACTION CALL: F24/024/2 Coating

Challenge:  A ‘low-’ or ‘no-’ fat coating is required to give the perception of a full fat product. Client: Global FMCG manufacturer Background: The product is fat-free and it is desirable to coat the product in such way so that, when consumed, the immediate impression is one of a full fat product. […]

Salivation

ACTION CALL: F24/024/1 Salivation

Challenge:  To maximise salivation, or the perception of salivation, in a dry product. Client: Global FMCG manufacturer Background: The product is a dry powder product that is consumed directly, the powder delivers flavour and functional ingredients, but is often considered to be ‘mouth drying’, astringent or de-hydrating as the product is consumed.  […]

Value engineering condiments

ACTION CALL: F23/317/1 Value engineering condiments.

Challenge: Identify solutions to for value engineering condiments through the use of alternative ingredients, alternative processing or supply chain reliability. Client: Global FMCG manufacturer Background: The products are a range of condiments including low pH emulsions and heated treated sauces.  Value, sustainability and supply chain security are pertinent issues that require constant […]

NextGen energy for non-alcoholic beverages

ACTION CALL: B23/305/1 NextGen energy for non-alcoholic beverages

Challenge: Identify new or enhanced ingredients or technologies that can provide NextGen energy for non-alcoholic beverages. This can be cognitive or physical energy. Client: Global FMCG manufacturer Background: Consumers continue to look for food and beverages to address specific performance and wellness requirements. Energy drinks are well established and underpinned by caffeine […]