The greatest barrier to the implementation of new processing technology is lack of internal support, whether caused by lack of funding, lack of knowledge or lack of interest.
Once upon a time, American food processing companies were global leaders in the development of new processes. Not today. Most research investment within food processing companies today is directed at new products, and this is a primary reason that few new processing technologies are being developed or supported at the processor level.
Ardent voices from R&D and engineering may be just what the doctor ordered. Encourage management to invest in technologies that hold real promise. Argue the advantage of investment payback and “first to market.”
With both plant engineers and food scientists rattling the cage, the chances of advancing the processing technology of our industry increases dramatically.
