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Dan Trowsdale

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is part of the Going to University collection which has been specifically designed for students at schools and colleges. They provide a taster of undergraduate study at the University of Leeds and help students to decide which subject to study at university. Completion of the courses will also enhance students’ university applications. The courses can also be used as a teachers’ classroom enrichment resource. Courses in this collection are also great for people that want an introduction in the specific subjects discussed in each course.

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Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is part of the Going to University collection which has been specifically designed for students at schools and colleges. They provide a taster of undergraduate study at the University of Leeds and help students to decide which subject to study at university. Completion of the courses will also enhance students’ university applications. The courses can also be used as a teachers’ classroom enrichment resource. Courses in this collection are also great for people that want an introduction in the specific subjects discussed in each course.

Topics Covered

  • Key issues for innovation in the food retail sector
  • Drivers and challenges for innovation specific to the food industry
  • Case study: the ‘cold chain’ process at M&S
  • Looking for solutions to the wicked problem of food waste
  • Innovation and technology within the brewing process

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Reviews summary

Innovation in food industry overview

According to students, 'Innovation: the Food Industry' offers a largely positive overview of key challenges and drivers in the sector. Learners praise its well-structured content and engaging case studies, such as the 'cold chain' process and insights into food waste and brewing innovation. The course is highlighted as an excellent introduction for those exploring higher education or careers in food science, providing a solid foundation. However, some find the content lacks depth for experienced professionals, wishing for more advanced insights or interactive elements.
Engaging real-world examples that bring concepts to life.
"The case studies, especially on the 'cold chain' at M&S, were incredibly insightful and brought the concepts to life."
"The module on food waste was particularly thought-provoking."
"The segment on brewing innovation was fascinating and something I hadn't considered before."
"I learned so much about the practical aspects of food innovation, from supply chain to brewing."
Provides an excellent foundational understanding for newcomers.
"This course was a fantastic introduction to innovation within the food industry."
"An excellent course for high school students looking into food science or related degrees."
"I found this course to be invaluable. It highlighted various aspects of the food industry I hadn't considered."
"Very informative and well-structured. It's not for deep dives, but for a broad understanding, it's perfect."
Some learners wished for more interactive activities or dynamic presentation.
"I felt some parts were a bit dry, and the presentation could have been more dynamic."
"I craved more direct application or interactive elements."
"I felt a lack of interactive elements or assignments that would truly test my understanding."
"It felt more like a series of informative videos than a structured course."
May be too general or superficial for those with prior experience.
"For someone already working in a related field, some of the information felt a bit too general."
"I found this course to be somewhat superficial. While it touches on important themes, it doesn't go deep enough."
"The course content was very basic and didn't offer any new insights for me. I felt like I already knew most of what was presented."
"I was hoping for more advanced insights or specific tools used in industry innovation."

Career center

Learners who complete Innovation: the Food Industry will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 46 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Innovation: the Food Industry.
Provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the food waste problem on a global scale. It explores the causes and consequences of waste throughout the food supply chain, from farm to fork. It is an excellent starting point for gaining a broad understanding of the topic and is often cited as a foundational text in the field.
Marion Nestle, a leading voice in nutrition and food studies, examines the political and economic forces that shape the American diet. is fundamental for understanding the broader context in which the food industry operates, including lobbying, marketing, and dietary guidelines. It's a valuable resource for grasping the influential role of the industry beyond production.
Investigates the intersection of technology and the food industry, focusing on startups and innovations aiming to disrupt traditional food production. It great resource for understanding contemporary trends and the influence of technology on what we eat and how it's produced. Particularly relevant for courses on innovation.
Delves into the various technologies and processes used in food manufacturing. It's a key resource for deepening understanding of how raw materials are transformed into finished food products. While it can be used as a reference, its comprehensive nature makes it suitable as a textbook for those focusing on food processing.
A seminal work that investigates the history, business practices, and societal impact of the fast food industry. is crucial for gaining a broad understanding of a significant sector within the food industry and its far-reaching consequences on labor, public health, and culture. It serves as a powerful introduction to the less visible aspects of food production and consumption.
Offers practical guidance on developing, implementing, and maintaining food safety management programs. It valuable resource for professionals and students focused on food safety compliance and best practices in the industry. It complements theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Provides a broad overview of food waste management, covering challenges, opportunities, and policy frameworks. It includes contributions on various aspects of managing food waste effectively. This book useful reference for understanding the multifaceted nature of food waste management.
A widely used textbook that covers the fundamental principles of food engineering, essential for understanding the technical aspects of food processing and preservation. is crucial for students and professionals in food science and technology programs, providing the engineering basis for many food industry operations.
Analyzes the significant influence of supermarkets on agri-food supply chains and the broader food industry. It provides a detailed look at the power dynamics and transformations that have shaped how food is produced, processed, and marketed globally. It's a valuable resource for understanding the economic and structural aspects of the industry.
Offers a critical look at the processed food industry, exposing the science and marketing tactics used to create addictive products. It provides valuable context for understanding the business drivers and public health implications within the food industry. While not a technical textbook, it is essential reading for anyone seeking a broad understanding of the industry's impact on consumers.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the basic principles of food science, covering food chemistry, microbiology, and processing. It is an excellent resource for gaining a foundational understanding of the scientific aspects that underpin the food industry. Commonly used in academic settings, it's essential for students and professionals needing a solid scientific base.
Explores the concept of sustainable food systems and the role of civil society in achieving them. It provides a deeper understanding of the environmental, social, and economic aspects of food production and consumption, moving beyond traditional industrial models. It is particularly relevant for contemporary discussions on the future of food.
Chef Dan Barber proposes a new他对食物生产和消费的整体方法,超越了可持续性。这本书提供了对当今粮食工业中出现的当代主题的深入研究,并为读者提供了重新思考粮食系统的方式。它对那些对食物的未来和更可持续的实践感兴趣的人特别有用。
Connects the dots between food waste, global hunger, and climate change. It emphasizes the ethical and environmental dimensions of food waste. It's a valuable read for understanding the interconnectedness of these critical issues.
This practical handbook provides actionable tips and strategies for reducing food waste in the home kitchen. It covers meal planning, storage, and creative ways to use leftovers. While focused on the consumer level, it reinforces the impact of individual actions discussed in broader texts and is highly relevant for anyone seeking to reduce their personal food waste footprint.
Provides a broad introduction to the complexities of the US food system, examining its intersections with public health, the environment, and social equity. It offers a holistic view that is excellent for gaining a broad understanding of the food industry within its larger societal context. Useful for students and anyone seeking a comprehensive overview.
Provides a practical guide to getting customers for your startup. It covers a variety of topics, including marketing, sales, and customer service.
Identifies the five key skills that disruptive innovators possess. It provides practical advice on how to develop these skills and how to use them to create innovative products and services.
Provides a comprehensive overview of food packaging, its functions, and the various materials and technologies used. Packaging critical component of the food industry supply chain, and this book offers in-depth knowledge on the subject. It's a valuable reference for those involved in product development and logistics.
Pollan explores the origins of the food we eat by tracing four different meals back to their sources: industrial organic, pastoral, and hunter-gatherer. provides a foundational understanding of different food production systems and their complexities, offering a broad perspective on the food industry's various facets. It's an excellent starting point for grasping the diverse approaches to food production.
Focusing on the technical aspects, this book explores how food waste can be reduced through processing and converted into valuable by-products. It's a valuable resource for those interested in the scientific and industrial solutions to food waste. is more suitable for those with a background in food science or related technical fields.
While not solely about food waste, Drawdown identifies reducing food waste as one of the most impactful solutions to climate change. The chapter on food waste provides a concise overview of its potential for emissions reduction. It's an essential read for understanding the significance of food waste in the climate context.
Offers an overview of the causes of food waste globally and provides practical solutions for reducing it. It recent publication that addresses the topic directly and aims to provide actionable insights for a sustainable future.
Focuses on the microbiology and technology behind fermented foods, a significant area within the food industry. It is useful for those interested in specific food processing techniques and the role of microorganisms in food production. It adds depth for those exploring diverse food production methods.
Pollan explores the reciprocal relationship between humans and four domesticated plants, offering a unique perspective on the history of agriculture and food production. provides a broader, more philosophical understanding of our connection to the food we grow and consume, offering valuable background for appreciating the roots of the food industry.
Connects food systems, including the issue of food waste, to climate change and regenerative agriculture. While not solely focused on food waste, it provides crucial context on the environmental impact of food production and consumption, highlighting how reducing waste fits into a larger picture of sustainable food systems.
Provides a broad overview of the causes and impacts of global food shortages, with a perspective essay specifically addressing food insecurity, food waste, and food banks. It helps contextualize food waste within the larger issue of food security and global food systems. Recommended for advanced undergraduates and graduate students.
This cookbook offers a practical and inspiring approach to reducing food waste in the home kitchen through creative recipes and tips. It makes the concept of zero-waste cooking approachable for home cooks. It complements theoretical understanding with practical application.
While primarily a cookbook, this book promotes a flexible and resourceful approach to cooking that naturally minimizes food waste. It encourages using what you have on hand and provides recipes that can be adapted to utilize scraps and leftovers. It offers a practical, everyday perspective on reducing waste in the kitchen.
Classic study of what makes excellent companies different. It identifies eight key factors that contribute to excellence and offers advice on how to create a culture of excellence in your own organization.
Advocates for a mindful and economical approach to cooking that naturally minimizes waste by emphasizing resourcefulness and using ingredients fully. While not a traditional anti-food waste book, its philosophy aligns strongly with reducing waste through skillful cooking and appreciation of food.
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Tells the story of a community revitalizing itself through building a local food system. While not exclusively about food waste, it provides a compelling example of how strong local food networks can inherently lead to less waste and greater food security. It offers a valuable perspective on alternative food systems.
Save
Comprehensive guide to water and its role in brewing. It covers the different types of water, the chemistry of water, and how to adjust the water profile for your beer.
Guide to tasting beer. It covers the different types of beer, the flavors of beer, and how to evaluate beer.
Guide to brewing classic beer styles. It covers the history of each style, the brewing process, and the flavors of each style.

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