Delivering healthy growth for Scottish food and drink companies

Scottish food and drink companies have been benefitting from a unique project that is helping them invest in R&D and devise new products for the developing health, nutrition and wellbeing market. The Food & Health Innovation Service (FHIS), funded by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and managed by a consortium led by Campden BRI, has so far helped over 250 companies on a one-to-one basis.

Project leader, Philip Richardson commented: "Developing healthy food and drink products can be a challenge for companies of all sizes, particularly when it comes to deploying the correct blend of science, technology and marketing to maximise commercial success. We offer a one-stop-shop for companies who are in, or looking to enter, the market for healthy food and drink, providing access to leading technical, legislative, marketing and scientific expertise to help support R&D efforts and create innovative, market-led products."

Karsten Karcher, CEO of high-growth food company Pulsetta, explained: "The support we received from FHIS and partners has been hugely helpful in the ongoing development of Pulsetta as a business. The ability of FHIS to provide access to the right resources at the right time in a coordinated manner makes it an invaluable addition to the business support landscape in Scotland. I would encourage any company engaged in the development of healthy food and drink products to get in touch to see how FHIS can help."

Areas of focus

Over the period a considerable number of companies have been looking for advice and support around product reformulation, as pressure comes to bear to reduce fat, sugar and salt from products. There has also been a huge amount of interest in 'free from' food and drink products, as well as from companies who are seeking to exploit the intrinsic healthy characteristics of products they offer.

Contact: Emma Hanby
+44(0)1386 842262
emma.hanby@campdenbri.co.uk