Research & Development

Our Research & Development developed a number of fresh-cut fruit salads and ready desserts products enriched with functional ingredients to capitalize on growing functional food markets. These products incorporated a range of functional ingredients including pre- and pro-biotics. An Irish based SME was involved in the development of these products. Fruit cultivars with optimal properties for the development of fruit-based desserts and fresh-cut salads were selected based on their sensory, physicochemical, and quality attributes. Novel protocols were developed for the incorporation of functional ingredients using technologies such as edible films and vacuum impregnation. Levels of functional ingredients were added at levels required to deliver the health benefit based on manufacturers’ recommendations. At all points, the sensory and quality attributes of the products were assessed to ensure that a real marketable product was being produced.

Fruits and fruit products are seen as healthy by consumers; however, if their market share is to grow they need to take advantage of the growing functional food market which fulfills consumer demands for products that deliver a health benefit beyond basic nutrition. The outcomes of the project demonstrated that fruit-based functional foods with optimal functional, quality and sensory properties could be developed.