Food Trends

24 posts

Food Supply Chain Resiliance

At the time of writing, the US-UK trade deal is still progressing, with some agreements in place and other still unresolved issues. These deals will result in a variety of consequences that many industries will need to unpick and manage to ensure supply chain resilience. One such consequence, relates to […]

Discovery! A blank sheet of paper, waiting for ideas.

So, what now? – Discovery!

The benefits of a different perspective for your discovery Market Mapping and Technology Scouting exercise. Innovation, R&D, NPD, call it what you will, can be a challenging process. It is often driven by different motivators: economic drivers, necessity, opportunity, trends. Regardless of the initiator, from a development perspective, they all […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

Reducing Acidic Flavour - Image of Mayonnaise

ACTION CALL: F23/305/1 Reducing acidic flavour.

Challenge:  Reducing acidic flavour and improve the sensory characteristics of an ambient-fill, cold chain distributed product. Client: Global FMCG manufacturer Background: The product is an ambient-fill, cold chain distributed, viscous emulsion that incorporates low pH ingredients to maintain food safety. The challenge is therefore to maintain food safety of the product throughout […]

Coffee cup. Volatile flavour stability and retention.

ACTION CALL: F23/200/1 Volatile flavour stability and retention

Challenge: Retention and stability of volatile flavour compounds Client: Global FMCG manufacturer Background: Volatile compounds are key flavour and aroma compounds, however they are susceptible to losses due to volatility and reactivity. The loss and degradation of the flavour compounds results in an overall decrease in flavour perception, product quality and consumer […]

Sober curious

Product Development for the Sober Curious Mindful Consumer

The sober curious movement has been in existence, depending on who you ask, for the last five to ten years. It is a term coined by author, Ruby Warrington, that describes an individual’s active reflection of their alcohol consumption habits, and their mindful approach to how and when they choose […]

Cellulose Alternatives

ACTION CALL: F23/128/1 Cellulose Alternatives

Challenge: Identify alternative bulking agents to Microcrystalline Cellulose Client: Global FMCG manufacturer Background: Microcrystalline Cellulose is used as a ‘bulking agent’ and flavour carrier. The client is looking to drive its development, innovation, cost and sustainability agenda through considering ingredients and technologies which could be employed as microcrystalline cellulose alternatives. It is […]