Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation
Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation (SCFDI) was established in response to demand from Scotland’s high growth food and drink industry for combined R&D and innovation space to support the sector in accessing export markets in the rapidly expanding global functional and healthy food sector.
Our mission is to be a national leader in knowledge exchange that addresses the fundamental relationships between food and health and the sustainability of the food chain in order to further the production of healthy, functional foods. Our market position at the national forefront of innovation provides an enhanced capacity to allow us to progress sustainable relationships with industry partners, particularly SMEs.
Examples of our SME and Industry Case Studies can be found below.
Our Research
Queen Margaret University has established academic expertise in the translation and application of science to support commercially successful research and development within industry.
SCDFI supports the commercial translation of knowledge exchange in Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Sciences and builds on QMU’s growing reputation as a key provider of research and consultancy in food and drink.
Through our practical innovation support and creative business solutions can help businesses with:
- New and innovative product development and analysis;
- Development of leading edge functional, health enhancing products and ingredients
- Reformulation of existing products – for example healthier alternatives to fat, salt and sugar
- Innovative sources of raw materials to produce novel ingredients and ensure sustainability
- Ingredients to improve product processing and preservation
- Nutritional analysis, shelf life testing, consumer focus groups and taste panels
Our Impact
To support the industry to meet its vision of becoming “A Land of Food and Drink” and contribute significantly towards the government agenda for a healthier Scotland, we work with a range of agencies including:
In recognition of our pioneering work with the Food and Drink industry and in partnership with our on-campus SME, AMT, we have received awards for Sustained Industry Partnership and Innovation of the Year. In addition we were also part of QMU team that won the Edinburgh Chamber of commerce Innovation award 2016
We continue to expand our portfolio of long-term research-focused collaborations with SMEs and contribute to innovation led growth in Government priority economic sectors.
Facilities
Supported by specialist academic staff, the Centre’s superb facilities include
- Dedicated microbiology laboratory;
- Fully-equipped sensory suite;
- Dedicated chemistry laboratory;
- Technology/white room for industry to test new technology;
- Development kitchen.
These facilities combined with our academic knowledge and expertise in food, nutrition and biological sciences offer companies in the food and drink industry an unrivalled opportunity to innovate and develop new products which are underpinned by our scientific research. To learn more please watch our new film showcasing the Centre and our work with business.
Access to all of the above facilities is available on a commercial basis to industry and SMEs.
Please contact Miriam Smith, Business Development Manager, to discuss your requirements - Mobile: 07872 128688.
