Page 27 - AWA Vol.41-No.4

FooD ProCESSING & tECHNoloGy

Avril accelerates its innovation ambitions and

inaugurates “Innolab”, its first internal laboratory

dedicated to human food and animal nutrition

vril takes a new step in its innovation strategy with the
Aopening of Innolab, its first integrated laboratory, locat-
ed at the heart of the Group’s campus in Bruz (near Rennes,
France). Designed to foster cross-functionality collaboration
and synergy between FOOD, FEED, and DATA expertise, this
space is dedicated to designing the food of tomorrow.
A strategic driver to support transitions
The laboratory is focused on addressing the needs of Avril’s
business units and the support of its clients. Nearly 50 re-
searchers are united around a common mission: to provide
concrete and innovative solutions and technical support to
tackle the challenges of agricultural, food, and environmen-
tal transitions.
A FOOD lab to unlock the potential of plant-based in-
gredients
The FOOD division of Innolab develops applications and
recipes based on in plant-based ingredients derived from oil- formance monitoring, early detection of anomalies, and ac-
seeds (sunflower, rapeseed) and legumes (peas, faba beans) curate, real-time recommendations for field technicians.
for human consumption. It supports all the Group’s subsid-
iaries, especially those recently acquired and specializing • In human nutrition, data helps optimize formulations, bet-
in plant-based products, such as Vivien Paille Ingredients ter understand ingredient transformation, and speed up
and Sunbloom Proteins. The aim is to position new ranges product development.
of ingredients across multiple application markets: desserts The DATA division is also actively engaged in advanced re-
and spreadables, bakery-pastry products, main courses, and search projects, connecting in in vitro tests with field trials.
sauces. Additionally, it plays a key role in measuring the environmen-
With this lab, Avril strengthens its ambition to become a tal impact of Avril’s innovations. Through this approach, data
leading player in the plant-based ingredients sector by cre- becomes a tangible tool to improve products, better meet
ating new, high-value-added food applications. clients expectations, and reinforce the Group’s CSR commit-
A FEED lab to shape the livestock farming of tomorrow ments.
Strategically located in the heart of France’s livestock re- A collaborative innovation campus
gion and close to the nutrition and animal expertise teams Innolab goes far beyond a traditional laboratory. It pro-
of Sanders and MiXscience, the FEED division of Innolab is motes cross-disciplinary collaboration and the integration of
designing solutions to meet key challenges in animal agricul-
ture: farm competitiveness and product quality, greenhouse expertise in science, data, and industrial processes all with-
gas reduction, disease prevention, and animal welfare. in an inspiring work environment designed for Avril teams
and future talents. It also strengthens Avril’s ties to the local
Innolab houses in vitro testing capabilities that replace tra-
ditional animal testing. By simulating the digestive systems academic ecosystem (UniLaSalle, Institut Agro de Rennes-
of ruminants, poultry, and pigs, the lab is fully equipped to Angers, ESA Angers), scientific partners (INRAE, CNRS), and
develop new nutritional and functional innovations. competitiveness clusters (Valorial, B4C).
One such initiative includes the development of the According to Paul-Joël Derian, Innovation and Sustainable
PROVEA® range: new plant protein concentrates (>50% pro- development Director, "Innovation is the driving force behind
tein) from peas, faba beans, and sunflowers. Intended for Avril's development. It has historically supported the Group's
aquaculture, pet food, and young animal nutrition, the range growth, and Innolab continues this ambition by accelerating
offers a sustainable alternative to imported soy, with a re- it in line with our strategic plan Ambition 2030. By combining
duced carbon emissions and full European traceability. their expertise in Food, Feed, and Data, the teams propose
A DATA lab to structure, predict, and transform new solutions for agriculture, food, and the environment.
The DATA division supports all activities of Innolab by pro- These solutions help support our clients' performance and
viding modeling, prediction, artificial intelligence, and data accompany them in their own innovation processes. Whether
science. It analyzes, and enhances data from the FOOD and they are farmers, breeders, or industrialists, we provide them
FEED laboratories, as well as from our clients and partners with new opportunities and sustainable products that meet
across the agricultural and agri-food sectors. the development of their activities, consumer expectations,
• In animal nutrition, digital tools and sensors support per- and societal needs." Circle 33 on enquiry card
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