Over thirty major collaborative business-led food processing and manufacturing development projects have received more than £11 million worth of government funding, helping to secure the UK’s future as a leader in food technology. Including investment by the participating companies the total value of the projects is in excess of £23 million.
According to the Technology Strategy Board, the work will lead to the development of new technologies and processes that will, for example, increase efficiency and reduce waste in the beef supply chain, increase bread manufacturing efficiency and sustainability and introduce more energy efficient air distribution systems for cooling food factories.
Food and Farming Minister David Heath said: “Investment in research and technology delivers lasting benefits and this funding will keep the UK at the forefront of technology innovation. In an increasingly hungry world these new technologies and manufacturing techniques will help the UK’s food processing sector use fewer natural resources and be more efficient. It will enable the sector to fully explore its potential as a real engine for economic growth.”
