A range of these
products had been developed by Rosemary Cowan and initial
work involved defining product characteristics and taste panels
which was undertaken by the College of Agriculture and Rural
Enterprise (CAFRE) at Loughry Campus. CAFRE also provided
food hygiene training and guidance regarding packaging options.
MTP subsequently referred Rosemary to the
Invest NI Design Development Programme which was successfully
completed in February 2005 and resulted in the above company
name and two brands Puro and Petit Puro under which the smoothie
products will be marketed.
Additional technical support will be provided
by Queen's University and this will involve further taste
panels and an evaluation of pasteurisation and high pressure
processing as alternative methods of product preservation.
During the above project MTP provided guidance
on filling equipment and factory layout in conjunction with
the Environmental Health department of Belfast City Council.
Rosemary Cowan is now working closely with
the Eastern Regional Office of Invest NI and a business mentor
has been appointed to assist with recruitment of a Production
Manager and to provide general business guidance.
Production is scheduled to start during
the summer of 2005.
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