Inception and mid-term evaluation of the Future Foods Operation

The first-of-a-kind, £2m ERDF-funded Future Foods project was jointly delivered by Aberystwyth University and the private-sector Welsh consultancy, BIC Innovation.

Future Foods’ target is to support RD&I activities in 60 Food and Drink companies across the West Wales and the Valleys region, with the Project providing access to equipment/certified food laboratories, and technical and product development, and supporting enterprises in terms of quantifying food claims/benefits, new formations/product development and sustainability. The Project also delivers white papers and educational programmes to address relevant issues, ranging from child obesity to food safety.

The evaluation included a contextual review of relevant legislation, policies, and an examination of demand, beneficiary needs and overall performance, resulting in key conclusions and recommendations. Key to the evaluation was a ‘deep dive’ analysis of Future Foods’ engagement with enterprises, specifically identifying the added value of such interventions.

Hilary Worgan, Project Manager, commented: “We very much liked the way The Innovation Partnership Limited engaged with us - working closely and keeping us informed every step of the way.”