Teagasc hosted an event today (January 29) looking at innovation opportunities in fresh meat, value-added products and meal solutions at their Ashtown research centre in Dublin.
The Food Innovation Gateways event, ‘Meat Matters: Shaping the Future of Fresh, Value-Added, and Meal Innovation’, brought together leaders from across the meat and prepared consumer food sectors.
Alongside innovation, it examined how research, technology and collaboration can support competitiveness, sustainability and consumer trust in domestic and international markets.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Eva Gocsik, global strategist for animal protein at Rabobank Food and Agribusiness Research, who provided an international outlook on the meat sector.
Drawing on global market analysis, she highlighted the strategic importance of innovation in responding to changing consumer expectations, sustainability pressures and evolving trade dynamics, and outlined where future growth opportunities are emerging for competitive meat-producing regions.
Retrospective
A retrospective of Meat Technology Ireland (MTI), an Enterprise Ireland and industry co-funded technology centre, was delivered by Dr. John Colreavy, who has led the initiative as its founding director since 2016.
The MTI programme represents a cash and in-kind commitment of over €6 million from the participating industry members; ABP Food Group, Ashbourne Meat Processors, Dawn Meats, Kepak, Liffey Meats, and Hilton Foods.
In addition, Enterprise Ireland has committed over €13 million in support of the programme.
The centre is expected to create a net return on investment of €8 per €1 invested by 2030, according to MTI.
Research showcase
The ‘Meat Matters’ event also included an interactive research showcase, demonstrating how Teagasc’s research capabilities are supporting advances in processing technologies, digitalisation, circular bioeconomy solutions and product development.
Teagasc director, Prof. Frank O’Mara said: “As the national body for agri-food research and innovation, Teagasc plays a convening role in bringing together industry, research and policy to address shared challenges and opportunities.
“Meat Matters highlights how science-led innovation and collaboration can support the future competitiveness and sustainability of Ireland’s meat sector.”
Across the programme, discussions highlighted opportunities for the meat sector, including:
* Enhancing value creation through product innovation, reformulation, and meal solutions aligned with evolving consumer needs;
* Improving efficiency, quality, and consistency through advanced processing, digital technologies, and data-driven decision-making;
* Supporting sustainability objectives through circular bioeconomy approaches, reduced waste, and improved resource efficiency;
* Strengthening Ireland’s positioning in global markets through innovation, trust, and strong research-industry collaboration.
Teagasc’s Food Innovation Gateways events are intended to “act as a bridge between scientific discovery and commercial application”, providing industry with access to expertise, infrastructure and partnerships that help translate innovation into impact, according to Teagasc.
