The Institute of Food Research, and the IFR Food and Health Network, are set to play a part in the creation of the ‘World Food Network,’ an international capabilities network based around innovation in the food sector.

Initiated by F2C Innovation, a super-cluster of three French food industry groups, a meeting in Paris recently saw 15 world class centres of excellence, including IFR, come together to discuss international research.

A series of workshops based around the key priorities within the food industry mapped out the scientific capabilities and technical resources, and led to participants defining themes for future international collaborative projects aimed at future European Project calls. Gut health, the beneficial aspects of plant foods, allergens and food safety were among the topics selected, which are all strengths of the IFR and FHN.

The aim of the World Food Network, which will be driven by F2C Innovation, is to quickly become a source of ideas and of knowledge on innovation and regulations on a European and world level, in particular concerning functional foods.