THE Ulster Business School has launched a new testing suite for the food industry.
Based at the University of Ulster's Coleraine campus, the consumer sensory and testing facility promises to "put the consumer at the heart of product development".
The suite of facilities includes sensory testing booths for consumer panelling, a seminar room for exploring consumer perceptions, benchmarking products and concept development and a test kitchen for developing new product concepts.
Professor Grainne Allen, Ulster Business School visiting academic said: "Food manufacturers in Northern Ireland have a great reputation for supplying high-quality products to the major retailers but they don't always have access to affordable consumer testing facilities.
"It is increasingly important, especially for smaller food companies, that they identify and analyse the quality levers that effect
shoppers and consumers choice before investing in expensive technology and product trials.
"This new consumer sensory and testing suite will provide access to a test kitchen, development chefs and the testing facilities which are so vital for growth but often prohibitively expensive."
The facilities are also used by students on the BSc Hons Consumer Studies degree to complete live industry projects.
"It is a win-win situation for both the Ulster Business School and the local food industry", said course director Dr Amy Burns.
"Students undertaking the module in Food Innovation have the opportunity to work with companies across the island of Ireland and UK to help inform thinking on future food and drink products.
"This collaborative approach also makes a significant contribution to building the skill set of future graduates wishing to embark on a career in the food and drinks industry."