Food scientists must focus on consumers

Campden BRI, a membership-based food research organisation, has released the findings of its research into what industry needs from science and technology. And caring about consumers is near the top of the list.

Assuring product safety was seen as vital, which is to be expected, but a broad range of ‘consumer care’ issues were considered much more significant than in previous studies. Concerns ranged from reformulation of products and provision of guidance to encourage a healthy diet, through to supply chain integrity and protecting consumers from ‘food fraud’.

Significant concern was also raised about an emerging skills shortage in the industry. Encouraging young people and new graduates into the sector was seen as essential.

The document was compiled following an extensive process of consultation with Campden BRI’s industrial members - numbering 2400 companies across 75 countries.

The needs document will be used to actively encourage providers of research and other scientific, technical and knowledge services to help meet the needs of the food, drink and allied industries. It will also provide a resource for the government departments, agencies, funding bodies and standards organisations that engage with industry.

Steven Walker, director general of Campden BRI, commented, “We were delighted that so many companies took the opportunity to share their thoughts with us, in what is the biggest consultation of its type on industry’s ‘innovation needs’ - involving 29 discussion sessions, hundreds of face-to-face contributions and dozens of written submissions. The exercise involved the whole supply chain - from primary production through to retail and food service - as well as those supplying into this chain, such as equipment and packaging companies.”

To download a copy of ‘Innovation for the food and drink supply chain’, send an email to auto@campdenbri.co.uk.