The potential of potatoes – an experiment in Biotech Heights

Purpose and goal:

Biotech Heights wants to demonstrate the possibility of letting the side stream from Orkla´s potato production to be upgraded into new fermented food using bioprocess technology. Potatoes are a good substrate for fermentation, and the side stream can become a basis for the production of new fermented food. The prototype is to be used to engage more actors and shed light on issues from different perspectives: advocacy work, development of new business models, consumer perspective, as well as driving a change in the food system for increased use of side streams.

Expected results and effects:

Results of the project: The project will result in a first picture of how the potato-based side stream from Orkla´s production can be further processed into new fermented food.

Expected effects: A wider discussion in the industry and in the long term a change in the food system for an increased use of side streams and an increased production of new fermented food. The project will be highlighted as an example for decision makers, for consumer groups, and for other food producing industries.

Approach and implementation:

Work package 1: Production of raw material. The potato-based raw material is a side stream from Orkla´s production, today used as raw material for biogas production.

Work package 2: Pretreatment of raw material and fermentation. Growth of the microorganisms on the potato-based raw material, as well as the quality of the final product, will be evaluated.

Work package 3: Demonstration of the possibilities of new fermented food based on potato raw material. Workshop with employees from Orkla. Work package 4: Communication of results and mobilization of more actors.