The food industry is one of the largest employers in the UK and as such requires skilled personnel to ensure a consistent supply of quality product for ever-discerning, quality-conscious consumers.

The food industry is very competitive and is constantly changing to meet consumer demands and use technological innovations. As the world population increases, food technologists are challenged with developing innovative applications in biotechnology and processing of food, as well as understanding the link between food, nutrition and health. Consequently there is an increasing need for graduates to work in a range of food business activities.

Food courses at Loughry Campus, CAFRE have been developed to meet the needs of employers in the food industry. Coupled with access to state-of-the-art food facilities, this means that  Loughry students can develop the competences and skills needed by the food industry and have proven job success.

Loughry Campus facilities

Loughry Campus has excellent facilities to support food education including chemistry and microbiological laboratories and a dedicated food technology facility. The 4,000 square metre hi-tech food centre features the latest design and materials for producing food to EU standards, incorporating four mini processing areas: meat, bakery, fruit and vegetable and dairy sectors.

Loughry's laboratories are equipped with specialist scientific equipment including gas chromatographs and electrophoretic and texture analysers. Students can carry out both essential and complex microbiological, chemical and physical analyses of foods and their ingredients. The latest technologies in food analysis are continuously being reviewed, enabling students to gain valuable knowledge and experience relevant to a future career in the industry.