NovelQ’s contribution to a wide application of novel processing technologies

New Food editor Helen Difford spoke with NovelQ Project Coordinator Huug de Vries about the EU-funded integrated project. After five years, the project is drawing to a close and our October issue of New Food will incorporate the NovelQ project findings and what it means for the industry.

Huug, can you give some examples of applications of novel processing technologies?

“High pressure for pasteurisation applications has now being widely implemented for fruit juices, ham, seafood, tapas, etc. Also, the first pulsed electrical field equipment is available for pasteurisation of liquids and for extraction purposes. A first demonstrator for cold plasma disinfection is on the market. Advanced heating has provided several new options thanks to virtual design tools for new recipes, developed especially for microwave and ohmic heating, for example.”

Was this the aim of the European project ‘NovelQ’?

“Yes, it has been one of the two main focus points. Demonstration of incremental innovations in public-private partnerships was focus point number one. The second ambition was to strengthen the science base for novel processing methods, including appropriate packaging solutions and insights in consumer perceptions towards technologies and products manufactured with novel processing methods.”

What was the main reason for the European Commission to support research in the novel processing area?

“The science base in Europe is excellent in this area; however, the number of market introductions was relatively poor in comparison with the US and Japan, for instance. Therefore, it was considered as highly valuable, especially because of the positive environmental impact of these ‘mild’ technologies. Finally, the trends towards fresher and minimally processed foods have been clearly observed in retail with an emphasis on improved quality and substantially reduced losses.”

Why do you think that the NovelQ special issue is relevant for readers of New Food?

“First, it is the challenging topic and the current state-of-the-art. We are not talking about science fiction anymore; real business cases demonstrate the advantages and restrictions. Second, it is not a big-industry issue alone. Many SMEs have found their niches and opportunities. Third, it demonstrates the innovativeness of the food industry together with equipment suppliers. At the crossroad of these two sectors, real innovations have been achieved. Fourth, it provides relevant literature for those who like to check opportunities for themselves and ask for support.”

What was the motivating aspect of NovelQ for you?

“It is challenging to operate in such a complex project focused on sustainable solutions in the food sector, with a variety of excellent people having different cultural backgrounds. The success of the project has been based on respecting each others strengths and complementing each others weaknesses. This holds for the scientific knowledge, the practical experiences, the organising, commercial, financial, HRM and communicative skills. It is also a great pleasure to work with senior experts and young scientists willing to exchange views and share experiences. To support our next generation experts is another opportunity, challenge and – if successful – the best return on investments.”

What key message would you like to share with New Food readers?

“The pressure on our renewable resources will be substantial in the next decades because of the limits in fossil fuels, growth in world population, food security for all, climate change debates etc. We need to find clever solutions for applications in food, materials and energy. It is not food versus fuel, however, but food and fuel and materials. One of the major aspects when working in novel technologies is the challenge to reduce energy, water, waste, etc. However, these technologies may be more widely applicable at the edge of food and non-food. That is what our future asks for. That is a challenging area to join forces with New Food readers. It is not a single public or private goal or a single national priority; it needs to be solved in international public-private partnerships with NGOs and citizen involvement as well and respect for local and regional circumstances.”

Where will the industry-oriented findings of the NovelQ project be presented?

“The October issue of New Food will include a dedicated section to the NovelQ results. At the final meeting of the Industry Advisory Platform of NovelQ, these findings will also be presented in exhibition style with real products and technologies, which will be preceded by a mini-symposium. This meeting will take place in Wageningen, 5 – 6 October 2010. Please note that the membership is for free; please check www.novelq.org.”