Howell Davies, Sector and Business Engagement Manager, Interface, said: “It was great to see the number of applications submitted and the wide array of activity and health improvements through fortification and reformulation being proposed.  Scotland is blessed with its talent pool of academics applying their expertise to the food and drink sector and we look forward to hearing about the results of the collaborations later in the year.”

Joanne Burns, FDF Scotland’s Reformulation for Health Manager, said: “Since the launch of our Reformulation for Health Programme in 2019 we have had the pleasure of providing funding directly to food producers to help them make their products healthier. We are delighted for the first time to provide funding that will support innovative reformulation projects between food and drink producers and academics. I was enthused to see the range of applications and look forward to seeing the results.”    

Projects ranged from improving products high in fats, sugars and salts in bakery products and ready meals; to addressing public health challenges such as fortifying products with fibre and new formats to help people meet their 5-a-day requirements.

The funded projects are:

Ends

Interface

Interface connects businesses from all sectors to Scotland’s universities, research institutes and colleges. Funded by the Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise, Interface is committed to catalysing connections in the pursuit of innovative approaches to support the transition for Scotland to a net-zero carbon society and well-being economy.

FDF Scotland

FDF Scotland is a division of the FDF - the voice of the food and drink manufacturing industry – the UK's largest manufacturing sector.

The Reformulation for Health Programme

FDF Scotland’s Reformulation for Health Programme, funded by the Scottish Government, is helping small and medium sized food companies to make their products healthier.

The Healthier Products Innovation Fund for Scotland

The Healthier Products Innovation Fund for Scotland (HPIF) has been developed by Interface and the Food and Drink Federation Scotland to support Scotland’s food and drink businesses as part of the Scottish Food & Drink Recovery Plan. There is a drive to make healthier products in line with public health targets, legislation and trends towards a healthier life for a more discerning and educated consumer. The competitive fund aims to support Scottish businesses in developing healthier products by utilising the world class knowledge base and facilities across Scottish universities, research institutes and colleges.