Kestrel and CMS conducted a market and technical feasibility analysis to develop a commercial exploitation plan for a ground-breaking food preservation and cooking technology.
Background:
Around 30 – 40% of fresh food is wasted in the food supply chain, with a large proportion due to spoilage. With rising food prices and food insecurity, food waste is regarded as a national crisis. Sensitive crops like raspberries can see losses of £500,000 in a single day per produces. Despite this, food preservation technology has evolved little in 50 years.
Requirement:
Kestrel, partnering with CMS, identified a novel electric field-based technology capable of slowing the degradation of animal and vegetable cells, reducing freezer damage and improving fried food. Supported by an Innovate UK research grant, we were tasked with exploring the market potential of this technology in the food sector in East Anglia
Response:
Kestrel and CMS identified and approached companies, trade associations and KOLs in the industry to understand the industry needs, mechanisms and market characteristics. We engaged with medium and large processors and suppliers to conduct functional trials on a range of produce. Working with companies, we characterised the technology, established bow best to deploy it and established its value in the market
Result:
Kestrel and CMS successfully completed a 6-month technology and market evaluation programme and are now building on completed trials to establish the technology’s value to the industry. We are building on our already extensive industry network to exploit the international potential of the technology and impact the food waste problem hurting both suppliers and consumers.
