Fermentation processes for functional foods from RAPeseed, Sunflower and Other EU matrices Devoted to Young animals.Zero-miles model boosting safety and competitiveness of livestock sector

Project Information

RAPSODY

Grant agreement ID: 662464

DOI

10.3030/662464

Project closed

EC signature date 27 January 2015

Start date 1 February 2015

End date 31 July 2015

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

METHODO CHEMICALS SRL
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - RAPSODY (Fermentation processes for functional foods from RAPeseed, Sunflower and Other EU matrices Devoted to Young animals.Zero-miles model boosting safety and competitiveness of livestock sector)

Reporting period: 2015-02-01 to 2015-07-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

"RAPSODY project stems from the idea to replace soybean meal and fishmeal as protein concentrate from the diet of piglets through the development of a new generation of functional foods exploiting by-products derived from European agriculture (rapeseed and sunflower). RAPSODY vision grounds in coupling this technological innovation with an original business model to support the sustainability and competitiveness of the livestock sector through a ""zero-miles"" production, ensuring products quality and safety, as well as improved profitability for all stakeholders of the European agro-industrial sector: from farmer, to feed manufacturer, up to livestock breeder.
The present feasibility study addressed the following objective:
1) Definition of the technical and functional specifications of the demonstration plant according to the requirements of the “zero miles” business model.
2) Development of partnership for: i) the demonstration project (technology providers and end-users for the pre-commercial test of final product); ii) the exploitation phase according to the “zero-miles” model.
3) Definition of the commercial strategy and marketing plan in the market segment of functional foods for piglets.
4) Analysis of the economic sustainability of the proposed “zero miles” business model.
5) Outline of the most effective IPR management strategy to protect project’s results."

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The technical feasibility analysis pointed out that the industrial scaling-up of the manufacturing process is achievable without any significant changes of the proposed RAPSODY approach, which was further improved during the study. For each risk come to light during the risk analysis, a contingency measure was identified.
The layout of the pilot line and industrial plant was defined, as well as the key partners and technology suppliers involved in the project implementation. Based on the defined layout and the scouting activity of the technology providers, the plan of investments necessary to realize a RAPSODY manufacturing line was outlined, together with direct costs associated with RAPSODY production and the fixed costs of management.
The market analysis of the European swine production allowed to identify the most attractive EU regions for the construction of the RAPSODY plants.
According to the type of market (Fragmented, Distributed or Concentrated), potential partner and critical aspects (e.g. presence of competitors, raw materials availability…), different business strategies were foreseen for the plant development and commercial exploitation of the RAPSODY project in the selected target regions. Sales and revenues forecasts were performed, determining the break-even point of the RAPSODY manufacturing line. Finally, the IPR and knowledge protection strategy of the project results was defined, leading to the registration of the Euorpean trademark “RAPSODY” and the filing of a patent for the manufacturing process.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The feasibility study outcomes demonstrate high potential of the RAPSODY project both in terms of company competitiveness and market growth, justifying the project prosecution.
The RAPSODY products will acquire a significant market share in the segment of functional foods for piglets, because they will ensure
- better piglets’ growth and wellbeing, improving the safety and quality of protein inputs
- enhanced sustainability and competitiveness of EU livestock productions, providing cost-effective functional foods (with respect to soybean meal and fishmeal).
The expected impact of RAPSODY project on Methodo Chemicals business is
- A significant increase of the annual turnover, coupled with a very important expansion of volumes and economic activities towards international (European) area;
- The creation of a Newco for the exploitation of the Rapsody zero-miles business model across the Europe
In order to reach this ambitious targets, the pilot line represents
- a strategic tool to overcome the project “seed stage” and implement the “project-to-project stage”, in which the zero-miles business model is grounded.
- A commercial leverage to attract partners/investors, and to make potential consumers aware of the benefits associated with RAPSODY deployment in piglets diet.

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