Andy Kemp, group sales and marketing director of Bidfood, made the opening speech at the inauguration of the facility.
A new product development and innovation facility for food and drink businesses has opened at the University of West London, following a £1.5 million investment.
The West London Food Innovation Lab, which has been co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, offers Greater London start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) advice and technical support for new product development or product reformulation. It also provides a range of laboratory services, from nutritional and texture analysis to sensory evaluation.
More than 30 businesses have already benefitted from the support given to them by the project.
The launch event showcased some of the companies which have profited from the lab’s services, including a maker of rice-based, dairy-free yogurt, a producer of roasted cricket snacks and a cold-brew tea brand.
Andy Kemp, group sales and marketing director of Bidfood, who made the opening speech at the inauguration of the facility, said: “One cannot emphasise enough the importance of growing and nurturing our own fledgeling British businesses like these that take the initiative to feed our ever-growing demand for innovation.
“This lab, and the expertise of the team who run it, will be crucial in changing the odds, and reducing the risk for those start-ups and small businesses who push the boundaries with the sort of exciting innovation that really moves the market forwards in the UK.”
Professor Peter John, vice-chancellor of the University of West London, said: “The university has a well-earned reputation for producing top-quality graduates and research to support the food industry.
“This new lab will assist businesses that cannot afford research and development to turn food and drink concepts into marketable products by engaging in science-informed product formulation or re-formulation. This is where we can help make a difference and really add value for SMEs.”
The lab’s team is led by professor Alexandros Paraskevas, chair in hospitality management at the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism.
Speaking about the university’s vision for the project, Paraskevas said: “It’s one thing coming up with an innovative new concept, it is another building a successful new product or business on the back of it. Research and development is essential and that’s incredibly difficult and expensive to achieve if you are a small business. Our lab covers this gap.”
Start-ups or SMEs in the Greater London area are eligible to apply for the services that the Food Innovation Lab provides.
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