A multi-million pound food technology centre of international importance has now opened at the University of Chester.
The North West Food Research Development Centre, based at the Parkgate Road campus, aims to be a leading research hub as well as providing scientific and business support to new and established companies all the way along the food and drink chain.
Leading industry figures are represented on the Revenue Steering Group to advise on how the European funded £4.8m centre can achieve its aims. The centre will enable research into the emerging field of food nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is the use of very small particles – measured in the billionths of a metre.
In the food sector, nanotechnology can be employed to enhance flavour and even to make processed foods healthier by reducing the amount of fat and salt needed in production.
Maud Duthie van der Venne, food innovation partnerships manager for the NoWfood Centre, said: “It’s fantastic to see the result of all our hard work, we look forward to seeing local businesses and students make use of the new facility for years to come.”
She added: “We are keen to build up an international reputation, and the NoWfood Project is aiming to be a world-wide recognised centre of excellence.”
Working in close association with the food centre at Reaseheath College, the three storey unit will allow food and drink manufacturers to use the facility to develop product ideas and find new markets, as well as hold product launches and meetings.
It houses a variety of test kitchens, laboratories, incubation space for start-ups, meeting rooms, hot desk facilities, conference rooms and a sensory testing unit. The European funding also allows small to medium sized food producers up to 12 hours use of the centre to help them develop their products and also gain access to business advice.
