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 […]
Sustainability
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Challenge: Identify technologies and capability for the osmotic drying of fruit Client: Global agricultural producer Background: Osmotic dehydration is a novel process by which fruits can be dried, either whole or sliced, by being submerged in sugar or salt aqueous solutions of high osmotic pressure. This process is non-thermal and is considered […]
Future of Food – Are we in the ‘endgame’? What will the ‘last of us do’? So we’ve stopped worrying as much about how to get our hands on the Millennial pound and started to address day to day challenges that are impacting on the wider population. To an extent, […]
Challenge: Sustainable alternatives to plastic at every step of the supply chain Client: Global agricultural producer Background: The use of plastic underpins every part of the agricultural supply chain, from seedling pots, to retail stickers on produce. Alternative solutions to date have included the use of card, and also bioplastics; both of […]