SME SOLUTIONS CENTRE – SHELF LIFE, NUTRITIONAL AND SENSORY VALIDATION OF VALUE-ADDED UNMARKETABLE STRAWBERRY PRODUCE AND COMMERCIALISATION TRIAL

SSS Strawberries, in collaboration with Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF) and Fight Food Waste CRC, will investigate the development of freeze-dried strawberry snack products.

For Part A of the project, the technology/process that delivers the best shelf-life and nutritional and sensory response from consumers and the marketplace will be determined, with key milestones including:

• Review of current raw materials for the formulation, processing, quality and safety.
• Determine processing methodologies to optimise sensory qualities
• Shelf-life review
• Consumer testing and preliminary market assessment.

This project will also benefit other food waste from other produce streams within SSS, including blueberries and raspberries, and food waste from other streams including mangoes, berries, apples, pineapples, avocado and sweet potatoes.

In Part B, QDAF will liaise with SSS Strawberries to review the building and commissioning of the new manufacturing hub. This includes recommendations in product flow, operations and bespoke equipment optimisations associated with freeze-dried production.

The project will deliver key benefits in the development of freeze-dried strawberry snack products including:

• Transforming fresh strawberry waste into value-add opportunities
• Enabling launch into new market channels and wider geographical reach
• Business confidence to proceed with upscaling commercially in a new manufacturing hub.