Base de Datos de Proyectos de PDR

A pioneering project using EAFRD support for co-operation between a private sector enterprise and scientific institution to establish an Agri-Food Technology and Innovation Centre for the development of new products, processes and technologies

The project is run by FRULACT in Tortosendo, Covilhã, an enterprise specialising in the development and production of fruit 'preparations' for the food industry. The enterprise has wide experience in R&D applied to the processing of fruits and the development of new products for applications in areas such as ice creams, pastries and beverages. All products are specifically developed according to client need and often through partnership with other commercial actors (including universities).

The project had a number of specific objectives: 1) To improve the capacity for development of new products, reducing time-to-market and increasing their value-added; 2) To increase the contribution of new products to total sales to 10% by 2014; 3) To allower quicker adjustment to technological changes; 4) To reduce the environmental impact of product processing, and; 5) To support the development of improved processes and methods.

The main activity of the project was the creation of FRUTECH - the Agri-Food Technology and Innovation Centre, complete with: i) a specialist 'characterization laboratory' for fruits and fruit-based food products; ii) a food microbiology laboratory; iii) a food tasting and sensory analysis room, and; iv) a technical / scientific library. The FRUTECH centre is supported by researchers of Viana de Castelo Polytechnic Institute and National Science and Technology System institutions.

Establishment of the FRUTECH centre has greatly increased the competitiveness and innovation capacity of FRULACT. In addition, through its association with Viana de Castelo Polytechnic Institute, the FRUTECH centre has also contributed to the development of more advanced food technology students for the benefit of the wider fruit growing and processing sector in Portugal.

Investment in research, development and innovation management systems is essential for improving an enterprise’s capacity to manage innovation projects and development of new products. This capacity can also be enhanced by linkage with researchers and other academics - but this does require the necessary management skills and capacity to effectively manage the "knowledge interface" between science, technology and education.

Maia, Norte

Norte

Mainland

1 937 986

https://www.frulact.pt/

João Miranda

joão.miranda@frulact.pt

+351 229 287 910

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