The University of Reading stand at Food Matters Live 2018 at the ExCeL Centre in London highlighted our strong research connections between food, farming, environment and health and how these are making a difference to food consumers and businesses.
The IFNH staff team supported this event, speaking to many companies and members of the public and media. Professor Ian Givens, Director of the Institute added his expertise to the event’s series of talks about the future of food.
Professor Richard Bennett, Research Dean for Food at the University of Reading said:
“The University of Reading is a major food research university, with the connections, impact and facilities to improve the world’s food system. This year we’ve been focusing on the global importance of food waste and showcasing some of the ways that the University of Reading is getting to grips with the issue. With 88 million tonnes of food wasted in the UK each year costing the economy £17 billion, and with 4-5 million tonnes classed as avoidable waste, we are one of the most wasteful nations in Europe resulting in 7 million tonnes of waste per year. However, we have a long experience of working with regulators, consumers and businesses to help tackle food waste and we are pleased to have an opportunity to share what we’ve learned.”
Food waste was a focus for the University of Reading stand this year, with a case study from an EIT Food ( European Institute of Innovation and Technology).
In addition, projects to reduce the amount of saturated fat in milk, understand how nutrients from cocoa can help heart health, and develop a prebiotic to help gut health were highlighted to the public and industry at the exhibition.