AFBI research on high pressure helps deliver industry awards for improved food quality

Research at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) supports the view that high hydrostatic pressure can be a very successful “cold pasteurisation” treatment for a wide range of foods. The Institute has a small commercial-scale pressure processing facility which allows it to work directly with food businesses to help them evaluate the technology and to optimise treatments for their specific products. Around 30 local, national and international companies work with AFBI each year, ranging from SMEs through to large multi-nationals. The AFBI facility is also licensed to treat products for commercial sale, which is particularly useful for local SMEs who do not want to commit the capital investment for their own equipment.

Jacquelyn Stewart, Managing Director of Squeeze Wheatgrass, regularly uses the AFBI facility to process a variety of wheatgrass based juices.  She has worked with AFBI’s high pressure team since her company was formed over 4 years ago.  The juices have a shelf-life of up to 12 weeks, compared to just a few hours without processing and this has allowed the company to expand its market across Europe. However, the biggest competitive advantage is the fact that pressure processing does not affect the appearance, taste or nutritive value of the juices.  The resulting high quality juices have earned the company a number of awards including the NI Agri-Food Business of the year 2015, one of the Business Eye First Trust Small Business Awards, the 2015 Ulster Grocer Artisan Producer Marketing Award.

Jacquelyn comments “Working with AFBI scientists has helped us to produce a range of really top quality, nutritious products without the need for chemical preservatives.  It has allowed our customer base to grow, not just locally but increasingly for export markets – great news for a small NI Business”.

For more information on AFBI’s high pressure research and facilities contact Food microbiology group

Notes to editors: 

AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DARD and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies.

AFBI's Vision is “Scientific excellence in Northern Ireland … serving the world”.

All media enquiries to AFBI Press Office

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