Food and beverage supply chain optimisation training centre opens

A new training centre dedicated to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Australia’s food and beverage supply chains has opened.

The centre will address research areas that are vital for, and assist with, future food storage, food processing and food manufacturing capabilities. It will focus on manufacturing techniques, product design and development, along with product opportunities that will help Australia’s food and beverage industries to grow.

The  Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Food and Beverage Supply Chain Optimisation, led by The University of Newcastle, received $2.1 million in ARC funding through the Industrial Transformation Research Program.

“The Australian Government clearly articulated its new Science and Research Priorities this week, and ‘Food’ is one of the priorities listed,” Leanne Harvey, ARC acting chief executive officer, said.

“The government is keen to ensure Australia responds to increasing global demand for plant and animal-based food, and to provide the right environment to develop internationally competitive, sustainable and profitable food products.

“This particular ARC funding program enables such research to occur and ensures that our best researchers are working alongside colleagues in industry to deliver the best possible outcomes for the nation.

“The centre will even train the next generation of multidisciplinary researchers who will collaborate closely - in a conducive industry setting - to bring about tangible outcomes that are vital for growing Australia’s food industry and for increasing our food exports.”

Researchers at the centre will collaborate with The University of Sydney, The Georgia Institute of Technology, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Ghent University Global Campus, as well as industry organisations Coca-Cola Amatil (Australia), Sunrice, Batlow Fruit and the Sanitarium Health & Wellbeing Company