A company that tackles food waste by repurposing surplus herbs has won the chance to exhibit at a UKTI event showcasing innovative businesses.
The Reading-based firm was one of 100 pioneering UK companies selected to exhibit to over 2,500 attendees at Innovate 2016 in Manchester on 2 and 3 November.
Valley Produce grows small volumes of culinary herbs and speciality Chinese vegetables at its four sites in Berkshire, Hampshire and West Sussex for the retail, food processing, and foodservice sectors.
In conjunction with the University of Reading, Valley Produce uses out-of-spec herbs that would otherwise be wasted due to aesthetic imperfections. The fresh herbs are washed, chopped and processed to kill food-borne pathogens, increasing the chilled shelf life to 28 days and cutting down on preparation time in processing and foodservice.
Innovate UK’s chief executive Ruth McKernan said: “Innovate 2016 will be an excellent opportunity for Valley Produce to showcase their cutting edge innovation to a national and international audience.
“I congratulate Valley Produce on their success in winning a place and look forward to their involvement in our annual flagship show of innovation excellence across the UK.”
Organised in conjunction with the Department for International Trade, Innovate 2016 aims to create opportunities in export and investment for the UK’s most innovative companies. It is the UK’s largest multi-sector innovation event.
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