We recently completed the following projects:

• A market analysis for energy saving strategies in the cold chain. This report detected which sectors of theAustralian food supply chain demanded more refrigeration and therefore, spent more electricity. The study found that electricity consumption increases dramatically towards the final stages of the value chain. Therefore, emerging energy saving technologies that target consumer markets (e.g. retail and domestic refrigeration) will have the largest impact in decreasing national electricity expenditure related to cold chain operations.
• An analysis of the supply chain issues in the Australian mango industry. This study found that transportation costs represent between 9% and 21% of the total market value of the commercialised mango for NT and WA growing areas.The effects of retail ready presentations and product shrinkage due to spoilage on the mango value chain are also discussed.
• A report on the opportunities of producing high value pharmaceutical compounds from meat waste.  The analysis covered regulatory hurdles, supply and demand, intellectual property issues and the value chain. An analysis of the return on investment for the industry was performed, highlighting the impact of logistics costs on the overall profitability of the venture.

We also carried out innovation roadmaps for various manufacturers of refrigeration equipment. An innovation roadmap is a valuable planning tool that provides the means of forecasting critical new technology development requirements. This information is required to strategically position R&D as a competitive advantage and to plan innovation expenditure in a 5 to 10-year framework.