New research for 'next-generation' snack foods

Next-generation snack foods with taste appeal and specific health benefits are the first target of a new $18.4 million six-year research program.

Crop & Food Research will lead the research, which will be overseen by a panel of food industry leaders. The program is being funded by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST) with the food industry contributing a further $3.4 million over the six years.

Crop & Food Research chief executive, Paul Tocker says foods that fit the convenience lifestyle market, yet are good for you, offer industry exciting growth opportunities. "At the moment such snacks have a short shelf life and this limits their export potential. Removing the technical barriers to exporting these high value convenience foods to the Asia-Pacific region will enable New Zealand's food manufacturers to significantly boost export earnings."