245 international scientists discuss future foods

New healthy food products in focus at Chr. Hansen’s Global Innovation Seminar.

Nothing comes from nothing. Somebody has to get the ideas for exciting new food products in the supermarket and ensure that they taste good, are healthy and safe and that the whole value chain covering production, distribution and shelf life works in the optimum way.

This and more was on the agenda in mid-November when 245 international researchers from the USA, Singapore, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France and Denmark assembled for a conference at Chr. Hansen, Denmark. Every other year the global bioscience company gathers its brightest brains in order to exchange new knowledge and boost innovation.

High level science
The participants had submitted around 100 scientific posters presenting a subject for discussion – for instance “can microbial ecosystems of foodstuffs contribute to the development of protective cultures that inhibit yeast and mould”?
Perhaps a colleague from another country comes up with just the right idea that allows the scientist in question to proceed with his research.

”Innovation brings home the bacon”
”For a knowledge based company, which is dependent on innovation, it is essential to strengthen the exchange of experience across boundaries, both in terms of countries, functions and competencies.

We want to create a forum for knowledge sharing and networking in order to boost idea generation, so that ultimately consumers will get new exciting products to choose from, preferably with additional health benefits,” explains Esben Laulund, Senior Vice President, Innovation, Chr. Hansen.

Innovate with a smile!
The conference varied between poster sessions, workshops, technology demonstrations and lectures by external key note speakers. Particularly popular was a session about Happiness at Work focusing on how happy employees get and implement more ideas and create better results.