Periodic Reporting for period 2 - FRIETS (Sustainable optimization of the value chain of added-value fresh and dried berries through the integration of Precision Agriculture management strategies and innovative dehydration and edible coating)
Période du rapport: 2023-09-01 au 2025-08-31
FRIETS tackled the lack of healthy, sustainable, and personalized fruit-based snacks, a challenge critical for society as it links to public health issues as well as to sustainability and food waste reduction. Eco-friendly berry products with enhanced nutritional quality and extended shelf life were developed by combining precision agriculture, green processing, dehydration processes, bioactive recovery, and edible coatings. In conclusion, FRIETS bridged a key market gap, supporting healthier diets, sustainability, and resilience in the agri-food sector.
From September 2021 to August 2025, 103 secondments have been completed, covering the following activities:
WP1 has focused on integrating precision agriculture techniques to optimise berry production. Pilot fields were established, and measurements have been made by UAV specific cameras, proximal sensors, weather and soil monitoring. Key results include a VI-based yield prediction model and vegetation indicators specific to crop health. Post-harvest quality traits were also assessed.
WP2 focused on the recovery of bioactive compounds (BACs) from olive tree, berries and rosemary leaves via conventional and innovative extraction technologies. Ultrasound and microwave assisted extraction were found to be effective in recovering valuable BACs with higher rates of extraction when compared to conventional solvent extraction. The recovered BACs were screened and characterized regarding the biological activity (antioxidant, antimicrobial among others). Spray-drying and electrospraying were evaluated with regards the efficiency of the recovered BACs encapsulation in different matrices. Olive tree and rosemary extraction were scaled up in pilot extractions.
WP3 investigated three drying methods: osmotic dehydration (OD), freeze-drying (FD), and microwave-vacuum drying (MWVD). OD was optimized at lab and pilot scale using natural solutes like apple juice and glycerol to enhance water loss and solid gain. FD preserved fruit structure, color, and nutrients, while MWVD enabled rapid drying but compromised quality. Combining OD with FD reduced moisture below 10%, improved antioxidant capacity, and ensured microbial safety, sensory quality, and industrial scalability.
WP4 developed and tested edible coatings to extend the shelf life and quality of fresh and processed fruits. Coatings based on natural polysaccharides and proteins were formulated and applied to berries. Tests showed improved microbial stability, delayed ripening, and enhanced sensory attributes. Coatings were optimized for application on osmotic-dehydrated products.
WP5 developed a predictive framework using applied research, meta-analysis, risk modelling, and simulations to assess and reduce fungal and mycotoxin risks in soft fruits. The prediction showed temperature as the key factor driving fungal spoilage where warmer storage (≥14°C) and retail temperatures (≥18°C) can potentialize spoilage. The effectiveness of coating can also be enhanced with optimal temperature control. Thus, maintaining a cold chain is essential to reduce fungal growth and mycotoxin risk in soft fruits.
WP6 applied an integrated LCA–LCC approach to pre- and post-harvest stages. Cost–benefit analysis showed that protected raspberry cultivation lowers the footprint by 49.6%, reduces water use 4×, increases yields by 43%, and improves farm profitability despite higher initial investment. SWOT analysis highlighted Cyprus’ strong potential to compete with imports through off-season production. For processing, MUAE extraction and osmotic dehydration proved most sustainable. Consumer acceptance questionnaires showed a clear preference for locally produced sustainable berries and processed products.
WP7 has implemented the Communication and Dissemination Strategy defined in the GA, fully achieving or exceeding all performance indicators. Key outputs include 50+ social media posts, 31 press releases/articles, 12 peer-reviewed publications and 1 book chapter, 4 consumer events, 3 stakeholder workshops, 1 webinar, and a final conference. Horizon Results Booster services (Modules A and C) were completed. Two structured questionnaires captured consumer acceptance and project impact, with results disseminated through the FRIETS website, media, and events.
For WP8, all necessary mechanisms and structures for the management and administrative coordination of the project have been established. 15 deliverables have been submitted D7.1 D7.2 D8.4 D8.1 D8.2 D8.3 D1.1 D1.2 D2.1 D2.2 D4.1 D4.2 D3.1 D5.1 D6.1) and four milestones have been achieved (MS1, MS2, MS3, MS5). The FRIETS Zenodo, Google drive and TEAMS Microsoft accounts were used to facilitate communication and knowledge transfer. All the Consortium Bodies have been clearly defined and ensured effective project management. 14 online and 2 face-to-face project meetings have been held.
Findings, were shared at with stakeholders major international conferences, scientific papers, and project meetings.
WP1 has focused on integrating precision agriculture techniques to optimise berry production. Pilot fields were established, and measurements have been made by UAV specific cameras, proximal sensors, weather and soil monitoring. Key results include a VI-based yield prediction model and vegetation indicators specific to crop health. Post-harvest quality traits were also assessed.
WP2 focused on the recovery of bioactive compounds (BACs) from olive tree, berries and rosemary leaves via conventional and innovative extraction technologies. Ultrasound and microwave assisted extraction were found to be effective in recovering valuable BACs with higher rates of extraction when compared to conventional solvent extraction. The recovered BACs were screened and characterized regarding the biological activity (antioxidant, antimicrobial among others). Spray-drying and electrospraying were evaluated with regards the efficiency of the recovered BACs encapsulation in different matrices. Olive tree and rosemary extraction were scaled up in pilot extractions.
WP3 investigated three drying methods: osmotic dehydration (OD), freeze-drying (FD), and microwave-vacuum drying (MWVD). OD was optimized at lab and pilot scale using natural solutes like apple juice and glycerol to enhance water loss and solid gain. FD preserved fruit structure, color, and nutrients, while MWVD enabled rapid drying but compromised quality. Combining OD with FD reduced moisture below 10%, improved antioxidant capacity, and ensured microbial safety, sensory quality, and industrial scalability.
WP4 developed and tested edible coatings to extend the shelf life and quality of fresh and processed fruits. Coatings based on natural polysaccharides and proteins were formulated and applied to berries. Tests showed improved microbial stability, delayed ripening, and enhanced sensory attributes. Coatings were optimized for application on osmotic-dehydrated products.
WP5 developed a predictive framework using applied research, meta-analysis, risk modelling, and simulations to assess and reduce fungal and mycotoxin risks in soft fruits. The prediction showed temperature as the key factor driving fungal spoilage where warmer storage (≥14°C) and retail temperatures (≥18°C) can potentialize spoilage. The effectiveness of coating can also be enhanced with optimal temperature control. Thus, maintaining a cold chain is essential to reduce fungal growth and mycotoxin risk in soft fruits.
WP6 applied an integrated LCA–LCC approach to pre- and post-harvest stages. Cost–benefit analysis showed that protected raspberry cultivation lowers the footprint by 49.6%, reduces water use 4×, increases yields by 43%, and improves farm profitability despite higher initial investment. SWOT analysis highlighted Cyprus’ strong potential to compete with imports through off-season production. For processing, MUAE extraction and osmotic dehydration proved most sustainable. Consumer acceptance questionnaires showed a clear preference for locally produced sustainable berries and processed products.
WP7 has implemented the Communication and Dissemination Strategy defined in the GA, fully achieving or exceeding all performance indicators. Key outputs include 50+ social media posts, 31 press releases/articles, 12 peer-reviewed publications and 1 book chapter, 4 consumer events, 3 stakeholder workshops, 1 webinar, and a final conference. Horizon Results Booster services (Modules A and C) were completed. Two structured questionnaires captured consumer acceptance and project impact, with results disseminated through the FRIETS website, media, and events.
For WP8, all necessary mechanisms and structures for the management and administrative coordination of the project have been established. 15 deliverables have been submitted D7.1 D7.2 D8.4 D8.1 D8.2 D8.3 D1.1 D1.2 D2.1 D2.2 D4.1 D4.2 D3.1 D5.1 D6.1) and four milestones have been achieved (MS1, MS2, MS3, MS5). The FRIETS Zenodo, Google drive and TEAMS Microsoft accounts were used to facilitate communication and knowledge transfer. All the Consortium Bodies have been clearly defined and ensured effective project management. 14 online and 2 face-to-face project meetings have been held.
Findings, were shared at with stakeholders major international conferences, scientific papers, and project meetings.
FRIETS advanced the state of the art by integrating precision agriculture, green extraction, innovative dehydration, and edible coating technologies to produce healthier, sustainable berry-based products. Novel achievements include:
• WP1: Validated remote sensing indices (e.g. NDVI, GNDVI) for reliable berry yield prediction (R² up to 0.80) and the combination of remote sensing and physiological traits enabling precision irrigation/fertilisation and more resilient farming.
• WP2: Developed eco-friendly extraction and encapsulation of bioactives compounds from agro-waste, achieving higher yields and stability than conventional methods. This supports functional, clean-label ingredients and circular economy practices.
• WP3–WP4: Innovated osmotic dehydration combined with freeze-drying and functional edible coatings, improving antioxidant retention, shelf life, and sensory quality while reducing waste and packaging.
• WP5: Produced probabilistic models linking fungal growth, mycotoxins and climate variables, supporting cold-chain management and risk reduction.
• WP6: Delivered validated LCA/LCC tools, consumer preference studies and SWOT analysis, creating a decision-support framework for farmers, SMEs and policymakers.
FRIETS has finalised the validation of remote sensing–based yield prediction models, optimised eco-friendly extraction and encapsulation technologies at pilot scale, and integrated novel dehydration–coating combinations into functional prototypes. The project also delivered operational decision-support tools combining environmental, economic and consumer metrics, enabling SMEs and policymakers to adopt sustainable practices. Expected outcomes include higher-quality functional berry products, enhanced production efficiency, and robust strategies for scaling to the European agri-food sector.
Based on the abovementioned results, FRIETS contributes to EU sustainability goals by reducing inputs and food waste, valorising by-products, and providing healthier berry products. Socio-economic benefits include improved rural incomes, competitiveness of SMEs, and consumer access to eco-labelled products. Beyond scientific outputs (>13 publications, 30+ media articles), the project strengthens cross-sector collaboration, researcher skills, and long-term exploitation of results. Open-access dissemination ensures knowledge transfer and wider societal uptake.
• WP1: Validated remote sensing indices (e.g. NDVI, GNDVI) for reliable berry yield prediction (R² up to 0.80) and the combination of remote sensing and physiological traits enabling precision irrigation/fertilisation and more resilient farming.
• WP2: Developed eco-friendly extraction and encapsulation of bioactives compounds from agro-waste, achieving higher yields and stability than conventional methods. This supports functional, clean-label ingredients and circular economy practices.
• WP3–WP4: Innovated osmotic dehydration combined with freeze-drying and functional edible coatings, improving antioxidant retention, shelf life, and sensory quality while reducing waste and packaging.
• WP5: Produced probabilistic models linking fungal growth, mycotoxins and climate variables, supporting cold-chain management and risk reduction.
• WP6: Delivered validated LCA/LCC tools, consumer preference studies and SWOT analysis, creating a decision-support framework for farmers, SMEs and policymakers.
FRIETS has finalised the validation of remote sensing–based yield prediction models, optimised eco-friendly extraction and encapsulation technologies at pilot scale, and integrated novel dehydration–coating combinations into functional prototypes. The project also delivered operational decision-support tools combining environmental, economic and consumer metrics, enabling SMEs and policymakers to adopt sustainable practices. Expected outcomes include higher-quality functional berry products, enhanced production efficiency, and robust strategies for scaling to the European agri-food sector.
Based on the abovementioned results, FRIETS contributes to EU sustainability goals by reducing inputs and food waste, valorising by-products, and providing healthier berry products. Socio-economic benefits include improved rural incomes, competitiveness of SMEs, and consumer access to eco-labelled products. Beyond scientific outputs (>13 publications, 30+ media articles), the project strengthens cross-sector collaboration, researcher skills, and long-term exploitation of results. Open-access dissemination ensures knowledge transfer and wider societal uptake.