Food Science, Safety and Security

Industry hotline and toolkit launched to support Welsh food and drink manufacturers during COVID-19 pandemic

In response to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, colleagues at the ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University found innovative ways to use their technical and commercial expertise to support Welsh food and drink manufacturers. Companies of all sizes were facing unprecedented stress on their food supply chains during the outbreak, with demand growth on their factories, workforce, and procedures. ZERO2FIVE, in conjunction with the Welsh Government Food Division and Food Innovation Wales partners, developed helplines in each of the three food centres in South Wales, Mid Wales, and North Wales to connect industry with experts who were able to answer specific enquiries relating to enhanced food safety, technical issues, supply chain continuity, and emergent governmental and health guidelines.

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Improving food safety and technical innovation in the Welsh food sector

The food and drink industry is central to the Welsh Government’s policies on Health, Economy, Education, Environment, Agriculture and Tourism. In 2009, ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University was awarded £3.9 million funding from the European Union and Welsh Government for the KITE (Knowledge Innovation Technology Exchange) project to address the Welsh Government’s strategic priorities for the food and drink industry. The programme focused on developing small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) technical expertise with the aim of growing the businesses and facilitating proactive partnerships between them. A diverse range of companies were involved in the project including a suet manufacturer, soup makers and confectioners. KITE’s primary aim was to increase sales of Welsh-based food products by £10m by 2014. This goal was exceeded, with 859 new products developed, 1861 new jobs/ jobs retained, £103.1m increased sales, and 83 third-party accreditations.

Subsequently, ZERO2FIVE is now implementing the pan-Wales Project HELIX alongside partner food centres from Food Innovation Wales. Eligible food and drink companies have access to a range of short, medium and longer term technical and commercial support that aims to increase production and reduce waste in the supply chain. Funded through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, the delivery model is delivering ambitious growth targets for the Welsh food and drink sector with an impact of over £130 million, 478 new products developed, 336 pan-Wales businesses assisted, 338 jobs created, and 1404 jobs safeguarded by end of December 2019.

You can learn more about the KITE programme, Project HELIX and the ZERO2FIVE here. 

Cardiff Metropolitan University's ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre collaboration with Just Love Food Company​​

Cardiff Metropolitan University worked with Just Love Fo​od Company to develop their unique nut-free cakes.​

To watch the video case study click here. 

ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre

ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University brings together a unique collaboration between industry-experienced technical, commercial and operations managers and respected academics.

ZERO2FIVE engages with food and drink companies and organisations of all sizes and stages of growth to provide support with factory design, start-up advice, new product development, third party accreditation and global food standards compliance (including BRCGS and SALSA), food safety and security, food and labelling legislation, nutrition, market analysis and marketing. In addition, ZERO2FIVE provides strategic technical direction for inward investment and export initiatives.

If you’re interested in working with us then please get in touch:

Email: ZERO2FIVE@CardiffMet.ac.uk
Telephone: 02920 41 6306

Research & Innovation Services

Cardiff Metropolitan University recognises the importance of collaboration and encourages its staff to engage in projects that are of benefit to the local, national and international communities. With experience in managing both small and large-scale projects, Cardiff Met has a strong track record of achieving innovative outcomes, which deliver social and economic benefits. 

Our knowledge and expertise extends across many diverse industries from manufacturing to services encompassing design, sport, tourism, management, education and health.

For information on the ways which you can collaborate with us click here.

Our Research Groups and Centres

There are opportunities to collaborate with all our Research Groups and Centres.  More information on each of these and their contact information can be found in the drop down list above and on the other Global Academy pages.

Virtual Tour ZERO2FIVE

Explore our facilities from wherever you are with our virtual tours.

Effective handwashing

Research by Cardiff Metropolitan University's ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre has found that despite increased awareness of the importance of handwashing, people are still not using adequate techniques. Handwashing removes bacteria to prevent illness so take a look at our guide to how to do it effectively.

Food Innovation Wales

ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre is a member of Food Innovation Wales. Backed by Welsh Government, Food Innovation Wales brings together three food centres of excellence dedicated to encouraging the development of the food sector and providing technical and operational support on all aspects of food manufacturing.