A new Food Research and Innovation Centre is set to boost Victoria’s contribution to the expanding food processing industry.
The centre, based at RMIT’s Bundoora campus, was launched on Wednesday by the Victorian Minister for Industry and Employment, Wade Noonan.
RMIT vice-chancellor and president, Martin Bean CBE, told the launch that about 400 food and beverage businesses in northern Melbourne turnover more than $1 million, generating $2.6 billion a year.
“Most of these are small and medium enterprises that have the potential to double their business within a decade if they can overcome barriers to innovation, attract and retain a skilled workforce and create and implement more productive processes.”
Food Research and Innovation Centre director, Professor Harsharn Gill, said: “Students, researchers and food businesses have access to equipment and facilities that are unparalleled in this state.”
Professor Gill said the centre would serve as an incubator allowing RMIT experts to work with industry on prototypes and then scale up production efficiently, turning ideas into innovative products and services.
Industry collaboration
RMIT scientists and students are already working with Sanitarium to increase the market attractiveness of its Get Up and Go product.
The team has also collaborated with a new Victorian company, Nuchev, to create an infant formula made from organic goat’s milk that comes from a farm near Clunes.
The centre is working with other partners including Tatura Milk Industries, Lion Dairy and Drinks Australia, Murray Goulburn, Coca Cola, Simplot, and Manildra Group.
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