Prepared Consumer Food Centre
The Prepared Consumer Food Centre (PCFC) is a state of the art food research and development centre located at Teagasc Ashtown. The Centre can help food businesses to develop new products and overcome obstacles on their product development journey.
The PCFC contains state-of-art pilot scale processing equipment which companies can use for research and development in collaboration with Teagasc and other innovation support organisations. This work helps enable the adaption of technology to enhance consumer demands, increase competitiveness and ensure sustainability in the Irish Food Sector. Funding has been provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Teagasc to create this dedicated research and development facility which will house state of the art food processing and packing equipment
Building work on a new extension has commenced. PCF Centre Manger Shay Hannon “I am delighted to announce the commencement of building works in what has been a very difficult time for the Industry and Teagasc due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The additional space provided will enable Teagasc to facilitate food business on site while also providing space for Teagasc Staff to continue to further their research”
PCF building Extension there will be a dedicated Packing Suite containing a range of Food Packing Equipment including Tray Sealing, Vertical & Horizontal Flow Packing, Can Seaming and Depositing Equipment.
A dedicated room is under construction to allow for research and development related to Ultra Heat Treated (UHT) & High Temperature Short Time (HTST) continuous thermal processing. This will be a controlled space with its own air handling system and will aid in the development of Juices, Beverages, Plant Milk and Milk Replacements, Shakes, Yogurts and Puddings and Sauces.
Space will also be provided for equipment to be adapted and arranged for specific client needs, including, cooking, mixing, homogenising and depositing, essentially creating mini production lines within the PCF facility.
Desk space will also be provided for client companies with hot desks installed.
Shay Hannon concludes “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. The sector is currently going through a very tough period and faces massive challenges in dealing with the impact of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. The PCFC building extension will allow Teagasc to continue to support Irish Food Businesses and overcome these challenges”
Find out more about about the Prepared Consumer Food Centre here