Sheffield Hallam University has successfully secured funding to spearhead a pioneering partnership project aimed at improving energy efficiency and sustainability within the food manufacturing industry. The university’s National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering (NCEFE) has been granted £232,000 to lead this groundbreaking initiative, which will focus on developing new technologies to enhance food processing practices.
In collaboration with Premier Foods, the project will specifically explore the application of Continuous Flow Ohmic Heater (CFOH) technology to enhance the heating system for sauces. This innovative heating system aims to not only reduce carbon emissions but also elevate nutritional value and taste. Premier Foods, leveraging its dedicated research and development team stationed at its manufacturing site in Worksop, will actively engage in this research endeavor.
Ohmic heating, a process that utilizes electrical current to heat food evenly, offers tremendous energy efficiency advantages compared to existing methods. With funding provided by Innovate UK through the Better Food for All Programme, a £20 million investment initiative, this pilot scale study aspires to overcome various challenges faced by the food industry, including inconsistent heating, compromised food quality due to excessive processing, energy inefficiencies, and adverse environmental impacts. Ultimately, the research findings could potentially influence future investments in food processing technology.
Dr Caroline Millman, senior lecturer and healthier lives research theme lead at Sheffield Hallam University, expressed her enthusiasm for this collaborative project, which brings industry and academia together to develop an energy-efficient heating solution that can be feasibly implemented at scale. By bridging the gap between research and practical applications, this initiative has the potential to revolutionize traditional heating and processing methods. Furthermore, it could open up new business opportunities, safeguard jobs, and contribute to the UK’s food and energy security.
Statistics from Statistica highlight the significant market value of cooking sauces and condiments, with the global market estimated at $242.8 billion in 2023, and the UK market alone valued at £3.9 billion. Premier Foods, committed to their Enriching Life Plan, which strives to create a more sustainable food system and reduce energy consumption to meet stringent carbon emission targets, is excited about collaborating to develop an environmentally friendly heating approach that could revolutionize cooking and processing methods within the sector.
Scheduled to commence in October 2023, this project is expected to run for 18 months. Its outcomes will undoubtedly shape the future of food manufacturing, enabling a resilient and sustainable industry that addresses pressing challenges while maximizing efficiency and minimizing environmental impact.
