The Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center (FoodPIC) supports the development of food products from concept to shelf
Tetra Pak and the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences have announced the first Tetra Recart® trial facility in North America. Located at UGA’s Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center (FoodPIC) in Griffin, Georgia, this alliance represents a pioneering step towards advancements in the food industry.
The collaboration aims to offer commercial testing for food companies using the Tetra Recart® packaging system, an alternative for foods like beans, fruits, pet food and sauces traditionally packaged in cans. Development and production of food products will be supported with a robust network of experts using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. Further, FoodPIC assists in creating strategic alliances with external engineering, marketing and technology groups to bring an idea to life from concept and research to formulation, prototyping and market launch.
Complementing FoodPIC’s wide variety of packaging and processing equipment, the Tetra Recart® trial facility will enable companies to test shelf-stability, ensure food safety and optimize product formulation at a fraction of the cost compared to alternative solutions. A food package uniquely suited for retail, Tetra Recart® is an environmentally sound alternative to other packaging formats and offers lower direct product costs by requiring less space, having less weight and creating less food waste.
“Our FoodPIC facility provides the tools and resources needed to create efficiencies and accelerate the development of foods for our clients. We focus on expertise and technology that facilitate a faster time to market, ultimately benefitting the food company, local economy and public at large,” states Dr. James Grazek, FoodPIC director. “To do this, we have to offer the most advanced and complete suite of equipment and services on the market.”
As consumer awareness continues to grow regarding food development and processing, particularly around health and sustainability, this testing facility General represents a pivotal milestone in accelerating the adoption of next generation foods, alternative ingredients and reduced preservatives.
“This being the first facility for Tetra Recart® trials in North America, we have opened a new avenue for the development of sustainable food packaging with a premium appeal,” notes Javier Quel, VP Business Sector for Tetra Recart. “At Tetra Pak, we foster innovation and empower food companies to work creatively, experiment and develop solutions to find the best route to commercial success.”
For food companies seeking to embrace sustainable packaging solutions, the Tetra Recart® trial facility at UGA’s FoodPIC offers both opportunity and excellence.
