Last Tuesday, Waite research precinct engaged the local food industry as never before, with the University’s School of Agriculture, Food & Wine, Affinity Labs (AWRI) and PIRSA-SARDI hosting tours of their food and beverage-related facilities for Food SA members. The event, organised in conjunction with Food SA, attracted 60 participants from 40 companies with a technical, food processing and new product development focus, many of whom had specific needs and challenges. Most stakeholders attending the event said they previously had no real understanding of what the Waite has in terms of facilities and the expertise that its staff can offer. The event was therefore a unique opportunity for local businesses to build connections, spark conversations and seed ideas/possibilities for working with our research expertise moving forward in the medium-long term. Based on interest and feedback on the day, all areas showcased were well attended and many questions were raised. The event enabled Waite partners to work together to show local producers and manufacturers of a wide range of food and beverage products some of the newer facilities, equipment and capability on the campus.
Various presentations during the Waite Food and Beverage Industry Open Day