FOX aims to downscale innovative technologies for juice extraction, low-temperature drying and mild preservation, minimise the use of resources through developing sustainable packaging materials and actively involve local consumers to regain trust in the food chain.
Core activities
The fruit and vegetable sector in Europe needs innovative and flexible technologies for processing. The EU-funded FOX project focuses on mobile and flexible processing units of small and medium-size companies and farmers that offer advanced technology applications. The project concentrates on mild processing technologies: from preservation to packaging and quick quality control for healthier food production. It will be deployed in six EU regions with considerable fruit and vegetable production and will evaluate new business opportunities. In addition, it will estimate its environmental, social, business and health impacts. The promotion of the project’s method, as well as the debate concerning policy recommendations, will be promoted by a European Interest Group of small-scale food processors.
Major outputs
The outputs are the development of three small, flexible and mobile container units for the processing of fruits and vegetables including technologies as 1 ) Low oxygen juice extraction and mild preservation 2) low temperature drying 3) Quality analysis and sustainable packaging. For the upscaling of plant side streams optimum combination of various technologies was investigated (modular system). These solutions are linked to research in Forsight scenarios and Business models, Sustainability and Health assessment, and Consumer Engagement via FOX Link App.
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