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UK Government awards Clean Food Group funding for project accelerating low-emission food production
UK-based bio-tech business, Clean Food Group has been awarded funding for a £1 million project to advance novel low-emission food production systems in the UK.
The funding will enable the rapid scale up of Clean Food Group’s manufacturing capability and the development of next generation, high value microbial oils.
The funding from the UK Government’s Novel Low-Emission Food Production Systems: Industrial Research Grant has been awarded by Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency, and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
The funding will accelerate the company’s growth plan to deliver a market-ready technology leading to a more local, sustainable and healthy food production system.
For the duration of the 18-month project, Clean Food Group will collaborate with The University of Bath leveraging its world-class bio-tech research capabilities to develop high-value, functional microbial oils.
Clean Food Group’s proprietary technology platform uses proven, scalable yeast strains and fermentation technology to convert food waste into sustainable alternatives to traditional oil and fat ingredients.
Clean Food Group co-founder and CFO Tom Ellen says: “We are delighted to have been granted this funding by Innovate UK and the Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
“The award is great validation of our technology platform and commercialisation strategy and will help us rapidly scale our manufacturing capabilities and regulatory pathways to achieve the necessary Food and Cosmetic regulatory approval for our products.
“We have a long history with the University of Bath and are thrilled to strengthen this further as we continue working with their world-leading research team.”
Chris Chuck, professor of Bioprocess Engineering at University of Bath, added: “Ensuring that our future food production is secure and sustainable has never been so important. It is fantastic to see the UK playing a lead role in driving forward much-needed innovation to create a more sustainable, healthy, and secure food system for future generations.”
Jobs secured as baking ingredients manufacturer sold
The future of JF Renshaw Ltd, the manufacturer of food ingredients primarily to the baking sector, has been secured following a sale of the business and its assets to British Bakels Ltd. British Bakels is a member of the Bakels group of companies, a privately-owned international bakery ingredients manufacturer, headquartered in Switzerland.
Rick Harrison and Will Wright from Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators to Liverpool-based Real Good Food plc and JF Renshaw Ltd on 4 December 2023.
Real Good Food plc and JF Renshaw Ltd have been adversely affected by challenging trading conditions. In response to these challenges, the directors sought to undertake a review of their strategic options, including a potential sale of the shares or the business and assets of JF Renshaw, as well as sourcing external funding.
Given the limited timeframe available, it became clear that it would not be possible to conclude a transaction on a solvent basis and as such, the directors took steps to seek the appointment of administrators.
Immediately following their appointment, the joint administrators concluded a sale of the business and certain assets to British Bakels. As part of the sale, all employees transferred to the purchaser.
James Cawthorne, Managing Director of British Bakels, said: “We are delighted that JF Renshaw, internationally known as a top quality producer of icings and marzipan, has joined the Bakels Group, bringing together two well-known brands with a combined history of close to 250 years. We look forward to working with our new colleagues to develop the concept of ‘Renshaw from Bakels’.”
Rick Harrison, Managing Director of Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “With a heritage dating back 125 years, JF Renshaw is well known for its range of baking ingredients and cake decorations. We’re pleased to have been able to conclude this transaction which will enable trade to continue, and which safeguards employment for its workforce in Liverpool.”
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- Drive the progress and adoption of automation technologies.
- Identify future talent and help upskill existing employees to minimise impact of skills and labour shortages.
- Support the growth of its member companies.
- Help the members and end users to make better technology decisions.