Initiative hopes to create edible success
A GROUNDBREAKING new initiative to help food and drink companies stay competitive through the development of innovative products and packaging is being launched.
Appetizing Innovation will bring together leading product and packaging experts and offer companies access to skills, technologies and equipment.
Seminars, workshops and special reports, as well as access to innovation surgeries and a new packaging materials resource centre will also be on offer through the initiative.
The Yorkshire Forward funded scheme, which is being led by Food Processing Faraday Partnership (FPFP) in association with Sheffield Hallam University, Leeds Metropolitan University, the Regional Food Group and packaging innovation consultancy Design Futures, is being hailed as an unrivalled source of expertise in food and packaging developments.
It will work proactively to approach businesses using a team of “technology translators” who have a wide range of experience in the food and drink industry to ensure everyone can access the appropriate help they need and are properly supported throughout the project.
Ian Blakemore, regional manager of FPFP, said that the scheme would particularly benefit companies who are too small to employ an in-house innovation specialist.
“We also know that many larger companies look for specialist research and development staff to supplement their innovation teams,” he added.
“The consortium members are all experienced in working successfully with business to make a significant commercial impact.”
Mr Blakemore said that there was a lot of exciting work happening in the region’s universities but that expertise was not always easily accessible.
“Appetizing Innovation will bring together those businesses which want to create innovative food products or packaging, as well as those who are already undertaking research projects but want to take them a stage further, and put them in touch with the right solution providers quickly and efficiently,” he said.
John Sorsby, food and drink manager for regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, agrees: “We believe there is great potential for food and drink businesses in the region to take advantage of the world class skills, research, knowledge and equipment on their doorstep.
“This initiative will help them compete successfully in the short term as well as further into the future. Innovation offers business cost saving opportunities as well as new high value opportunities – a recipe for success.”
