Hawkes Bay foodies visit Massey

Hawkes Bay food producers spent a day at Massey last month to hear about the ways its experts can help them achieve research and business goals.

Representatives from a number of companies heard from Massey’s academic staff about food-related research at the University.

Research development adviser Kate Nolan says the day was an opportunity to bring together businesses and researchers to explore the opportunities at Massey that could be taken up by industry.

“We showed them a range of disciplines that make up our food science expertise,” she says. “We also heard from them about what they need in terms of research and development.”

Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health head Professor Richard Archer spoke about food processing and evaluation and the creation of novel functional foods. He also outlined some of the ways Massey has helped a range of companies develop successful new food products and business.

School of Engineering and Advanced Technology head Professor Don Cleland talked about engineering and issues to do with packaging, refrigeration and food design and use.

The group also heard from Dr Matthijs Slijee of the School of Design at the College of Creative Arts. He gave insights into product and packaging design and the unexpected cultural factors that influence consumer choice.

The group then toured a number of Massey’s facilities including the food pilot plant (now operating as the FoodPilot, part of the New Zealand Food Innovation Network), the human nutrition clinic, the post-harvest section and the microbrewery.

Ms Nolan says it was a very receptive group of businesses that were really wowed by the University’s capability. “They were really pleased to know they had a research and development deliverer close by that they can use.”