Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. and the University of Granada (UGR) have announced an extended partnership that will focus on researching and utilizing bioactive compounds from fruit residues for various medical and non-medical applications. This collaboration follows initial research that demonstrated the effectiveness of these compounds within Fresh Del Monte’s portfolio of fruits.
The partnership aims to improve the health and well-being of the population by exploring the potential uses of bioactive compounds in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Through the extraction of these compounds from different fruit residues, the University of Granada research groups will investigate their potential applications in highly prevalent diseases, dermo-cosmetics, and nutraceuticals and foods.
Highly prevalent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arterial hypertension will be the focus of the research. Dermo-cosmetics, which have therapeutic effects on skin health and beauty, and nutraceuticals, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, and antioxidants sourced from foods, will also be explored.
The collaboration between Fresh Del Monte and the University of Granada is a significant step towards sustainable practices and minimizing environmental footprints. By utilizing fruit residues and creating valuable products, they aim to reduce waste and champion circular economy principles in the food industry.
Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Fresh Del Monte’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, believes that this partnership has the potential to realize breakthroughs in several key areas that will ultimately improve many lives. Professor Juan Antonio Marchal from the University of Granada emphasizes the importance of obtaining bioactive compounds from fruit residues for the treatment and prevention of highly prevalent diseases.
Through their joint efforts, Fresh Del Monte and the University of Granada’s Research Transfer Office (OTRI) will enhance ongoing research and development initiatives. This 18-month partnership will explore new possibilities for the revalorization of food byproducts and contribute to advancements in biomedical research and environmental sustainability.
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is a global leader in fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, while the University of Granada is a prestigious Spanish university known for its research contributions and commitment to addressing societal challenges. Together, they are poised to make significant strides in utilizing fruit residues for the betterment of health and well-being.
Fresh Del Monte’s partnership with the University of Granada to explore bioactive compounds from fruit residues reflects a growing trend in the market towards sustainable practices and minimizing environmental footprints. With increasing awareness of the need to reduce food waste and champion circular economy principles in the food industry, utilizing fruit residues to create valuable products aligns with consumer demands for eco-friendly solutions.
The research collaboration aims to improve the health and well-being of the population by exploring the potential uses of bioactive compounds in promoting a healthy lifestyle. The focus on highly prevalent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arterial hypertension indicates the relevance and potential impact of this research. By investigating the effectiveness of these compounds in addressing these diseases, Fresh Del Monte and the University of Granada hope to contribute to advancements in biomedical research.
In addition to medical applications, the partnership also seeks to explore the use of bioactive compounds in dermo-cosmetics and nutraceuticals. Dermo-cosmetics have therapeutic effects on skin health and beauty, indicating a potential market for cosmetic products derived from fruit residues. Nutraceuticals, which include vitamins, minerals, herbs, and antioxidants sourced from foods, have gained popularity as consumers seek natural alternatives for maintaining their health. The research collaboration could lead to the development of new nutraceutical products utilizing bioactive compounds from fruit residues.
One of the key advantages of this partnership is the combination of Fresh Del Monte’s expertise in fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables with the University of Granada’s research contributions and commitment to addressing societal challenges. This collaboration brings together industry knowledge and academic expertise, creating a strong foundation for impactful research and the development of practical applications.
However, there are also potential challenges and controversies associated with the subject. One challenge may be the scalability and commercial viability of extracting bioactive compounds from fruit residues. While the initial research has demonstrated the effectiveness of these compounds, further research and development will be needed to determine the most efficient methods of extraction and production. Additionally, there may be regulatory challenges related to the use of bioactive compounds in medical and cosmetic products, which will need to be navigated to ensure compliance and safety.
Overall, the partnership between Fresh Del Monte and the University of Granada holds promise for advancements in utilizing fruit residues for various applications. By collaborating on research and development initiatives, both parties are poised to contribute to the betterment of health and well-being while championing sustainable practices in the food industry.
Related links:
– Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.
– University of Granada