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 Services
A. ANALYSIS, RESEARCH & RECOMMENDATIONS
- Food Safety & Sanitation Audit
On-site research will pay attention to, among other, food safety programs, pest control, operational personnel practices, and repair, maintenance and cleaning programs. Considering the specific product characteristics, mostly only one particular product or product group is the subject of study and analysis.
Scientists and/or their associates will study every phase of the process, under different circumstances, at locations indicated by the client and will give a clear indication of the risks. Food safety and sanitation audits are preferably conducted in cooperation with the client’s specialists.
- Cold Chain Analysis
This kind of analysis will provide insight into the entire chain a certain product or product group passes through or should pass through. It lists possible gaps and risks in the process, points out the consequences that may have and suggests short and long term solutions.
The focus is not on the product but on the logistic flow from grower to consumer. Studies can also focus on in-depth analysis of one link in the chain (e.g. cold store audits on a local, regional or national scale) or on a certain transition between to links.
- Post harvest Technology Inspection
These inspections are aimed at enhancing the shelf life of commodities by using appropriate storage and processing techniques. This involves, for example, the following engineering issues: refrigerated storage including controlled atmosphere (CA), relative humidity and drying, physical and biological treatments, UV-C radiation for surface decontamination, application of environmentally friendly phytopharmaceuticals, processing technologies, etc.
This multi-disciplinary type of research is conducted by a balanced “post harvest” team.
- Product Flow Survey
To analyze the flow of an entire product group, nationally but in particular internationally. In what different ways does it currently go through the (often several) chains and what are the pros and cons of each alternative in terms of lead time, product quality and costs.
Can product flows be combined, is the location of the storage and distribution area logistically correct, at what point in the chain does the commodity become dedicated to a certain client?
- Desk & Field Research
Sometimes, certain subjects or problems are of such a general nature that, at first, it suffices to begin with thorough desk research, because previously some research has been done. Often, some field work will be required in order to provide the client with somewhat more specific information.
Research can also help to create a certain scientific basis in addition to other (actual) analysis. Every topic related to the cold chain can be the subject of research.
- Market Survey
Depending on the quality and quantity of the available information, before investing in a particular project, a survey can be conducted to list clients, rates, products, distribution methods, market developments etc. at an international level.
Especially when aiming at “new markets” reliable information is essential.
Starting point are the wishes of the end users or consumers and the different ways they are currently being served by the market.
- Operation Analysis
Screen (parts of) organizations and companies, particularly the operational divisions and make a clear analysis of the performed activities and come up with recommendations for adjustments in the working processes.
The subjects of screening can be, for example, the logistic function of a company or certain divisions within processing or manufacturing plants. The goal is to locate vulnerable positions within the company, from a food safety and food quality point of view.
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