Technology Search
Extending Shelf Life of Natural Bakery Products
Client overview
Strategic Allies Ltd (SAL) was contracted by a health food company to find technologies that could extend the shelf life of new wholefood-based bakery products by a minimum of three months, with an aim for six months, without compromising the fresh taste and moist mouthfeel of the products and without using preservatives.
This challenge required innovative solutions beyond traditional methods.
The search
SAL’s approach involved dismissing established thinking and searching internationally for new ways to tackle the problem. Over a six-month period, SAL engaged its global network of “smart connected people” to uncover novel technologies. This effort resulted in the identification of twenty novel technologies from eleven different countries that specifically addressed the client’s challenge.
SAL team members pre-screened each technology to ensure it met the client’s specific requirements, providing a holistic view of the opportunities. This pre-screening process saved the client considerable time and effort. The client was so impressed with the quality of SAL’s submissions that they wished to engage in NDA-covered discussions with nine of the twenty opportunities. Three of these discussions led to active research projects that became part of the client’s ongoing product development plans.
''I would most certainly work with the SAL team again.''
Outcome
The technology scouting exercise conducted by SAL was highly successful. The client’s R&D Manager praised SAL for delivering more than anticipated, noting the quick adaptation to the client’s requirements and the regular, professional communication throughout the process.
The outcome included direct meetings with key technology contacts and the initiation of several research projects, which provided new learnings for the client.
Additionally, the process was smooth regarding IP ownership, a key consideration for the client.