Food manufacturing and processing

We have extensive pilot plant facilities that can be harnessed to investigate the preservation processes of heating, chilling and freezing, and drying, as well as the 'nuts and bolts' of product development - ingredient preparation, product formulation and packaging development.

We also have expertise in all aspects of food manufacturing including brewing and malting, bakery technology and meat and poultry.

We have been at the forefront of food and drink research for a century, much of the pioneering work on the development of foods suitable for microwave processing and reheating was done here.

We have a team specialising in all forms of thermal processing, can provide offsite process validation and other consultancy services .

We are particularly involved in evaluating other novel methods of food manufacturing - such as high-pressure processing. And now offer a high pressure process (HPP) challenge test.

Listen to our podcast on pasteurising dry ingredients.

Key services

Heat process validation

Many factors affect the amount of heat delivered, the product it contains, and the degree of mixing during the process.

Pilot plant facilities

Food and drink pilot plant facilities, covering over 3000m2

Thermal processing

Thermal processing is at the centre of food preservation .

Food product development

Developing new food and drink products is a complex process, we can help across the full range of food types.

Cooking or reheating instructions

Knowledge and expertise for microwave and conventionally heated products

New technologies services and information

Exploring new and emerging process technologies for industry use

Pilot plant (on-line)

Develop new products, analyze existing processes and try out ideas

Pet food product development

All our services are available to support the pet food industry