GEAR: “Industrial Food Biotechnology: Food Fermentations and Functional Starter Cultures ”

The present GEAR proposal for IOF financing represents research, development, and valorisation topics mainly related to the food industry, in particular the meat, sourdough, cocoa/chocolate, and (sour) beer sectors. Valorisation of the knowledge generated will consist of the development and application of new, innovative functional starter cultures, to control and even steer spontaneous/industrial food fermentation processes, and the increase of the food industry’s innovation and diversification potential by obtaining improved and launching innovative fermented foods and beverages, with respect to cost-effective production, biosafety, sensory quality, and/or authenticity. IMDO’s innovation lines in meat, sourdough, cocoa, and lambic beer fermentation processes will be further exploited through research and development activities in its new bakery and brewery pilot facility, by means of contract research service agreements, and/or strategic partnerships with large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises..