But the economic downturn has taken its toll on R&D budgets, and that in turn is changing the way food companies are coming up with new ideas. O’Riordan explains that there are more incremental changes being achieved, rather than big breakthroughs.
Moreover the last few years have seen more collaborations and partnerships in the industry, and some ingredients companies are getting quite used to working together. Whereas two or three years ago, relationships were tied up in difficult agreements, now he says it is much easier for firms to work together and see results fasters.