Food innovators at the University of West London (UWL) have shared their expertise and showcased how they are helping transform new products during a food and beverage workshop.
The team from West London Food Innovation Lab (WLFIL) joined Bread and Jam – a company which supports new food entrepreneurs – for a practical workshop to give small businesses and start-ups owners the chance to perfect their new product pitches and get advice on everything from analysis to marketing and packaging.
Inspiring talks about pushing forward with new ideas were given by the founders of Teapigs, Olive Branch and the Borough Broth Company – and guests toured the Innovation Lab and met the team to understand the steps involved in product innovation and analysis.
The WLFIL technical team also offered tours of the lab where testing and product innovation is carried out for independent and emerging food and drinks businesses.
Amalia Tsiami, Associate Professor of Food Sciences at the WLFIL, said: “We have already helped more than 70 food and drink start-ups and SMEs go through the lab with new product formulations or line extensions, and we hope to continue to offer these services and support our micro, small, and emerging businesses to thrive.
“This day was a great opportunity for new and expanding businesses to come together to learn about the industry from experts and get support and confidence in how they can be supported as they take new products forward.”
Co-funded by UWL and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the team helps London’s food and drink sector engage in scientific product development and turn their innovative ideas into market-ready products.
