National Prepared Consumer Food Centre
The National Prepared Consumer Food Centre (NPCFC) has been established by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in consultation with Teagasc, Food Drink Ireland’s Prepared Consumer Food company members, Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia, to support research, development and innovation in the Prepared Consumer Food sector.
Updates
Test Kitchen Facilities - The first step on your pathway to New Product Development
Food Incubation Facilities in Ireland
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Food Product Innovation
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Cereal-based, Bakery and Snack Products Suite
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Meat Product Processing Suite
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Advanced and Emerging Technologies
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Advanced Packaging Suite
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Microbial Safety and Shelf-life Suite
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Nutritional Quality Suite
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Sensory Science Suite
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How Companies Can Engage
Innovation is a key driver of economic growth and Teagasc continues to be committed to supporting science-based innovation and the delivery of related services to the Irish Prepared Consumer Food (PCF) sector. Teagasc recognises the diversity and complexity of the sector and offers specialist know-how, facilities and services from its Ashtown Food Research Centre in the broad areas of:
- Meat products
- Cereal, breads, biscuits and bakery technology
- Fruit and vegetable-based products
- Savoury snacks
- Other food preparations including ready meals, sauces, confectionary
- Non-alcoholic beverages
The vision for the NPCFC is to support companies in piloting industry-led collaborative research and innovation capability, to maximise value creation opportunities and address the challenges across the industry. It will enable the adaption of technology to enhance consumer demands, increase competitiveness and ensure sustainability.
The Centre contains state-of-art pilot scale processing equipment which PCF companies can use for research and development in collaboration with Teagasc and other innovation support organisations. It also encompasses access to modern analytical and sensory laboratories to characterise foods in terms of nutritional, compositional, microbial and sensory profiles allowing complete product and process development.
Portfolio of Equipment
Teagasc is delighted to outline here, some of the main components and contact points within the Centre. PCF companies are encouraged to avail of the use of the Centre within their own research and development strategies and/or by using the innovation support programmes provided by Enterprise Ireland.