DIGIVU Combined Blogs » Market /Business

FAO Reports on Food Losses

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:44:31 +0000

Some years ago Food Processors worried about rural grain losses in the “development sector” and the high cost of effluent BODs in the Industrial sector. This was where waste was important to them and where it focussed action.

Now the FAO has commissioned a study “Global Food Losses and Food Waste” that brings a totally different view and confirms an understanding that has been developing over the years as food shortages and global warming become worries to the world.

click the image to download the report

The overall conclusion is that roughly one-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally, which amounts to about 1.3 billion tons per year. The report then goes on into the detail of what losses are and how they are measured. It presents many graphs which a focus on illustrating where in the world and where in the vfood alue chain these losses occur – this is of course vital if anything is going to be done about it.

click the image to download the report

The report discusses the causes and prevention of losses with a series of practical experiences.It concludes by identifying the limited data on which the report had to be based, especially as globalization and food logistics change. It finally, points out the different needs in the developing and developed countries and provides a large listing of references and additional reading.

Processed Export Vegetables – Online Opportunity

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:48:03 +0000

This opportunity for the processing of vegetables in South Africa for defined export markets is based on an existing manufacturing facility and what appears to be a well developed business plan.

click image to see web page with details and contact

Food Processor’s Reference Manual – Free Online Information

admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:30:21 +0000

Here is a 288 page , high quality manual covering the steps required to set up a small food processing business.

click image to visit website

The table of the contents of the book says it all

The only downside is that it is written for Canada so many of the contacts are not applicable to local circumstances. However, the quality and depth of the information and the fact that it’s free to download make its retention as a reference worthwhile.

Design Your Own Drinks – Single Screenshot Series

admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:19:33 +0000

I previously posted on getting your chewing gum in your own customised package, but here you can create a carbonated soft drink for your own use and for sale through the manufacturing company.

Technology Entreprenure to Next Big Takeout Restauranteur?

admin — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:21:38 +0000

So can a technology gadget entrepreneur succeed with a brand new concept in the take out market. Jonathan Kaplan introduced the flip cam to the consumer multimedia sector. The cheap and simple video camera, which served a particular need, was a big success until smart phones began to provide the same functionality.

At this stage Kaplan sold the company to CISCO Systems, who have since suspended production.

Kaplan is applying what he claimed he learned with the Flip Cam to The Melt.

He claims that The Melt uses new cooking and ordering technology but that the main benefit comes from integration and the inputs of top experts. The three focuses of the business are top staff, the simpicity of the business (five melts and 5 soups) and the brand – see him explain this in the video below.

The question is of course – is this how successful businesses are established and run and is the food scientists role to develop the toasters to the founders specification and maybe translate the food quality / safety systems that authrorities and suppliers provide