Cereal Docks' Research & Innovation Department presents the new strategic R&I plan of the Group, the result of the joint effort of various company functions to define the guidelines for future growth and diversification. The document outlines the most promising areas of innovation, indicating the direction to be taken, with the ambition of transforming Cereal Docks into one of the European leaders in the fields of human and animal food and nutrition, sustainability, and circular economy.
Market dynamics, innovations, environmental and social challenges, as well as their solutions, are now determined on a global scale. Being an active part of this evolution, exploring new innovation opportunities, is the challenge that the Cereal Docks Group has undertaken, aiming to evolve its business model from the transformation of "raw materials" to the production of "high-value-added ingredients". In an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, research and innovation represent the "auxiliary engine of the Cereal Docks Group" to accelerate this transition.
AREAS OF INNOVATION
There are six areas of innovation on which the Group will focus its efforts to develop future businesses:
CIRCULAR AND FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR FEED
Cereal Docks aims to develop new improved components for animal husbandry, focusing on the valorization of industrial by-products and co-products, to offer greater added value, integrating specific technical and biological functionalities.
INNOVATIVE PROTEINS
The Group intends to develop new high-protein food ingredients from non-animal sources, mainly plant-based, to follow the established trend of integrating alternative proteins into the diet.
GLUTEN-FREE FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS AND FLOURS
The company aims to expand the range of new ingredients with differentiating characteristics, such as gluten-free, to meet the needs of all consumers in the food industry, in synergy with the Group's new business unit, Molino Favero.
VALORIZATION OF BY-PRODUCTS
Cereal Docks is committed to cross-cutting research for greater environmental sustainability through the valorization of industrial by-products, focusing on sectors such as feed and food, but with the flexibility to consider opportunities in other areas.
HEALTHY NUTRITION AND PLEASURABLE EATING
The Group is committed to exploring the possibilities of new ingredients in innovative recipes, aiming for a pleasant and satisfying food experience in terms of taste, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.
NUTRACEUTICALS AND SUPERFOODS
Another identified area of development is high-value-added ingredients with maximum functionality, not only technical but also biological, in synergy with the Group's business unit dedicated to nutraceuticals and cosmetics: Aethera Biotech.
The document is available for consultation in the meeting rooms of the various Group offices and can be downloaded at this link.
