Review of Pressurised CO2 technology (Farther Farms) and its ability to reduce reliance on a chilled supply chain - Literature Review

Summary

With the strategic objective of the MLA to double the value of Australian red meat by 2030, it is critical to keep abreast of new and emerging technologies that have the potential to unlock access to new high value markets for ‘fresh’ meat. Effective horizon scanning enables the MLA to capitalise and invest in high potential areas of innovation and development to deliver strong commercial outcomes with industry partners.

Recognising the significant cost of operating a chilled supply chain and reaching high potential global markets such as the Middle East and Europe, the initial claims associated with this technology potentially offer a solution to this challenge. The MLA commissioned Prof. Consulting Group to investigate Farther Farms’ Pressurised CO2 Technology and recommend how it could be of benefit to the Australian red meat industry.

Objectives

The objectives associated with this research included
• Summary of the science behind the technology and guidance as to whether the technology could meet its claims.
• Details on the progress of the innovation so far and a summary of the potential benefits and applications for the red meat industry.
• Recommendations for future engagement with the Farther Farms technology.

Key findings

• Food tech start-up Farther Farms founded by Vipul Saran and Mike Annunziata has progressed Pressurised fluid technology to a commercial facility delivering their first product group, French fries, with 120 days ambient storage life marketed by Endico Potatoes and available at outlets such as Luna Inspired Street Food in Ithaca, The Hideaway and Radio Social, in Rochester NY.
• With the product commercially available and investment in capabilities underway, its potential to contribute to the future growth of Red meat is encouraging.
• Farther Farms have demonstrated in a short timeframe the ability to raise significant capital and commercialise the technology. Business partnerships with the likes of a former senior executive from the frozen food industry and a major local frozen food distributor illustrate growing confidence in its current direction.
• The product features and benefits cited by the inventors for application on potato French fries such as improved product quality, convenience and extended shelf-life without the chill chain requirements are compelling and in line with customer product and industry trends.
• In the absence of direct trials on Red meat, the technology would need to undergo design and development work for this application supported by expected product validations (microbiology validations of product and process and organoleptic test validations) to further determine its potential.
• The literature review has further identified multiple processing techniques that suggest pasteurisation or sterilisation capabilities of the technology. The benefits of either option clearly differing from extended chilled life to ambient storage capabilities. Either process requiring a different validation protocol when looking at Red meat applications.

Benefits to industry

● The ability to compete successfully in far-reaching markets with an Australian Red meat offer through extended life
● Disruptive and differential offers to access new markets
● Reduced carbon impact during Red meat distribution and ability to access more cost-effective supply chains
● Improved ESG (Environmental, Sustainable, and Governance) messaging versus competitors enhancing industry reputations
● Farther Farms has the potential based on its current commercial application within the French fries' supply chain to deliver a ‘fresh’ product without the need for a chilled supply chain through its sterilisation process, or extended life through its pasteurisation technology.
● Early involvement in the development and application of the technology, exploring its ability to deliver a safe and consumer suitable application with Red Meat, could position the Australian Red meat sector as a pioneering, progressive force, increasing commercial competitiveness in export markets.

MLA action

Publish final report and communicate link with processors and value adders that will be interested, and could potentially benefit from investment into this technology

Future research

Prof. Consulting Group recommends further involvement with the team at Farther farms to stay at the forefront of this technological advance. Recommendations are suggested for Australian partnership and further research to support the Australian Red meat industry in the event that the technology delivers benefits via either the pasteurisation or sterilisation capabilities. As a well-funded technology, it has the potential to help access new markets, improve competitiveness and reduce food waste alongside lower storage and distribution costs.