Food Pilot vzw
Published on 21 March 2018
Belgium
Prov. Antwerpen
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
The Food Pilot is an application and analysis centre where the food industry can optimise its products and processes. The Food Pilot is a total concept, founded by Flanders’ FOOD and ILVO.
The production lines (semi-industrial scale) at the Food Pilot can be used to test new ingredients, recipes or processes. Laboratory analyses and scientific advice are also available. The Food Pilot provides tailored support - either from idea to product, or for one specific step in the processing trajectory. Suppliers can also demonstrate their newest technology or perform tests for their clients in the Food Pilot’s demonstration room, equipped with all necessary utilities. A number of examples in which product innovation is pursued are: dairy and dairy desserts, meat, fish, soups and sauces, vegetables and fruits, bakery and chocolate, snacks and pet food, …
Pilot tests on a semi-industrial scale allow companies to try out new concepts, processes and products. The past 5 years, the Food Pilot has become an important service provider with an integrated approach to collaborate with companies. Companies from various sectors found their way to the Food Pilot, mainly from the ingredients, milk, potatoes, vegetables and fruit, and meat and fish sector.
The production lines (semi-industrial scale) at the Food Pilot can be used to test new ingredients, recipes or processes. Laboratory analyses and scientific advice are also available. The Food Pilot provides tailored support - either from idea to product, or for one specific step in the processing trajectory. Suppliers can also demonstrate their newest technology or perform tests for their clients in the Food Pilot’s demonstration room, equipped with all necessary utilities. A number of examples in which product innovation is pursued are: dairy and dairy desserts, meat, fish, soups and sauces, vegetables and fruits, bakery and chocolate, snacks and pet food, …
Pilot tests on a semi-industrial scale allow companies to try out new concepts, processes and products. The past 5 years, the Food Pilot has become an important service provider with an integrated approach to collaborate with companies. Companies from various sectors found their way to the Food Pilot, mainly from the ingredients, milk, potatoes, vegetables and fruit, and meat and fish sector.
Expert opinion
This practice exemplifies the important role a pilot and demonstration facility can play as provider of test infrastructure as well as analytical work and advice based on expertise. It supports the innovation process in companies; an open-access facility provides the opportunity to validate new products and processes. Its relevance is reflected by the number of analyses, tests and other services provided to companies. The experience of operating such a facility and making it accessible to SMEs should be both interesting and inspirational to other regions.
Works at
WSP
Resources needed
Food Pilot is embedded within ILVO, Flanders' research institute for agriculture, fisheries and food. ILVO had around 50 million euro in economic resources in 2017.
35% structural funding by the Flemish MInistry for Agriculture.
65% competitive projects, contractual research, business services
35% structural funding by the Flemish MInistry for Agriculture.
65% competitive projects, contractual research, business services
Evidence of success
In 2017:
- 23.677 food analyses for 224 companies
- 332 pilot tests for 104 companies (40% KMO)
- 104 advisory services
- 73 intake meetings
- 5 network events
- Planning new demos
- 23.677 food analyses for 224 companies
- 332 pilot tests for 104 companies (40% KMO)
- 104 advisory services
- 73 intake meetings
- 5 network events
- Planning new demos
Potential for learning or transfer
- How to make pilot and demonstration infrastructure accessible for SMEs
- How to fund research infrastructure through a combination of public/private funds
- Creating living labs for industry 4.0 applications in agrifood industry
- How to fund research infrastructure through a combination of public/private funds
- Creating living labs for industry 4.0 applications in agrifood industry
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Independent (Food Pilot vzw)
Belgium
Prov. Antwerpen
Contact
Policy Advisor