The Impact of Torrefaction Temperature on the Physical-Chemical Properties of Residual Exotic Fruit (Avocado, Mango, Lychee) Seeds

A large portion of food loss and waste (FSL) is comprised of seeds and stones. Exotic fruits such as mangoes, lychees and avocados, in which the seeds account for a significant part of the weight and volume of the entire product, are most affected by this problem. The seeds contain a large quantity of polyphenols and essential nutrients, which makes them a good material for extraction. However, conventional extraction techniques are considered time-consuming, and therefore significantly limit their use on an industrial scale. An alternative method of managing the seeds may be their energy utilization. In this study, torrefaction was proposed as a method for the valorization of exotic fruit seeds (mango, lychee, avocado). Thus, the influence of torrefaction temperature (200–300 °C) on the physical-chemical properties of substrates was investigated. The obtained results revealed that, in relation to the unprocessed raw materials, the torreficates are characterized by improved hydrophobic properties (all materials are classified as extremely hydrophobic), higher heating value (at 300 °C the values increased from 17,789 to 24,842 kJ∙kg−1 for mango, from 18,582 to 26,513 kJ∙kg−1 for avocado, and from 18,584 to 25,241 kJ∙kg−1 for lychee), higher fixed carbon content (which changed from 7.87–15.38% to 20.74–32.47%), and significant mass loss, by 50–60%. However, as a side effect of thermal treatment, an increase in ash content (approx. 2–3 times but still less than in coal) was observed. Therefore, the torreficates may be competitive with coal. The possibility of using residues from the food processing sector as a substrate for energy purposes is important from the point of view of environment protection and is a part of the functioning of the circular economy.

A Case Study of Cashew Industry in Karnataka

Purpose: In the Indian food processing sector, the cashew nut processing industry plays a critical role. Often, the cashew is considered as ‘both a poor person’s crop and a rich person’s meal.’ From the cultivators, traders, wholesalers, processors to supermarkets and retailers, the cashew processing sector is a vital source of income. Cashew processing is a labour-intensive sector that has always employed a significant number of rural women. The purpose of this study is to gain an in-depth understanding of the Cashew Processing Sector, its position in the world market, issues it is confronting and future prospects. While doing so, the present study attempts to examine the profile of the Indian Cashew Industry, including cashew processing and international trade. The quality, flavour and appearance of the Indian cashew kernels are highly respected in other nations and are consumed in more than 60 countries worldwide. Unfortunately, it was found that cashew production in India has been fluctuating in recent years. Despite its tremendous expansion, India’s cashew sector has been affected by low-quality cashew cultivated in some regions, which is mostly due to improper harvesting techniques, inadequate drying of the nuts and insufficient storage and warehouse facilities for dried cashew nuts. Design: For the purpose of analysis, this study used secondary data sources - Google Scholar articles, cashew industry and other related websites. Moreover, the literature is used to analyse the position of the industry within SWOC and PESTLE framework analysis. Findings: Based on the analysis, the cashew business needs certain incentives to attain a better rate of production and export growth in the future. Value: This paper emphases on the growth of the cashew industry in India in relation to its current status and future opportunities. Based on findings and their interpretation, the Indian Cashew Industry must prepare itself for the ever-increasing demand of the domestic market and contribute more effectively to the country’s economic growth. Paper Type: Case Study-based Research Analysis

A Case Study of Mrs. Bector Food Specialties Ltd

Purpose: In these days, women are exhibiting their entrepreneurial spirit and competencies. They have come to the forefront of development process and have proved themselves successful in their multitasking roles at home and office. Entrepreneurship among women improves the wealth of their families and the nation as well. Some women have managed to break the proverbial glass ceiling against the odd and have established their businesses successfully in food processing sector. Women are more inclined for food processing enterprises since they spend most of their time in the kitchen normally. Many women have the expertise in preparing new cuisines, so they start small and grow further to become a much-acclaimed food processing entrepreneurs. The food processing industry in India has great potential and it brings about the synergy between the consumer, industry and agriculture. Therefore, there is a need to inspire, encourage, motivate and co-operate with women entrepreneurs for developing the spirit of enterprise among every segment of the society. The purpose of the paper is to highlight the success story of Mrs. Bector in the food processing sector and the challenges faced by her. This study proved that Mrs. Bectors Food Specialties Ltd. owned by Mrs. Bector, based at Punjab has enough growth opportunities but to sustain itself in the market, the company has to pursue more competitive strategies to widen the operations and customer base. Design: For the purpose of analysis, this study used secondary data sources - open access journals, Google, Google scholar and Mrs. Bectors Food Specialties Ltd. websites. Furthermore, the literature is used to analyze the position of this company within SWOC framework and Michael Porter’s Five Forces analysis. Findings: Based on the analysis, it is suggested that Mrs. Bectors Food Specialties Ltd. has to expand its business beyond northern India and initiate campaign for its brand awareness. The study concludes that Mrs. Bectors Food Specialties Ltd.’s competitive pricing strategy is clearly defined to capture the market, but more proper execution of strategies is required to thrive in a competitive climate. Value: This paper focuses on the growth of Mrs. Bector Food Specialties Ltd. in terms of its current status and future opportunities. Based on findings and their interpretation, new knowledge in the form of suggestions is presented. Paper Type: Case study-based Research Analysis

Influence of Firm-Specific Determinants on the Profitability of Companies in Agri-Food Sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Research Project

The main objective of the undertaken study is to examine the influence of firm-specific determinants on the profitability of companies in the agri-food sector (agricultural production and food processing) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). For this purpose, we examine the impact of factors that are considered as determinants of firm profitability such as size, age, liquidity, leverage, and growth. The impact of the specific characteristics of the companies is tested on profitability measured by return on assets (ROA) in the agricultural and food processing sector in B&H. The analysis is based on the collection of quantitative data published in the food financial annual reports of the listed agricultural and processing companies in B&H over a period of five years (2015-2019). A research model with crucial variables with five independent variables (size, age, liquidity, leverage, and growth rate) and one dependent variable (profitability) was developed based on the literature review. The study outcomes will give an insight into the firm-specific factors that are important in examining the profitability of companies in the agri-food sector in B&H. Furthermore, the results of this research will serve as a basis for further studies in which the number of variables observed will be extended. Moreover, the results are expected to be useful for the management of the company to direct business decisions towards improving the company’s profitability.

Evaluating the Potential Hydrological Performance of a Bioretention Media with 100% Recycled Waste Components

Bioretention systems are a popular type of Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS). However, their largest single component, the fill media, is often a non-sustainably sourced material. This study evaluates a bioretention fill media comprising 100% recycled waste components. The fill media components come from multiple waste streams, quarry waste from the construction sector, crushed glass and green waste compost from domestic waste, and sugar-beet washings from the food processing sector. The hydraulically important physical characteristics of the recycled fill media were evaluated against reported literature examples of bioretention fill media, alongside UK and international guidance documentation. The particle size distribution of the recycled fill media was found to be unlike that seen in the literature and was also not compliant with the UK’s CIRIA ’The SuDS Manual’ guidance (d≥6 mm = 45% vs. 0% target). However, this did not result in any additional non-compliance, with laboratory-derived saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks=101 mm/h) and porosity (ϕ=44%) within recommended ranges (100≤Ks≤300 mm/h, ϕ>30%). SWMM was used to predict the performance of a bioretention system installed with the recycled fill media compared to UK guidance configured systems. It was found that the recycled fill media would have similar performance to a UK guidance compliant system, irrespective of its particle size distribution. Further work is required to validate the predicted performance of the recycled media.

Determinants of Relative Efficiency in Indian Food Processing Sector

The present study was undertaken to measure and compare the relative efficiencies of selected Food Processing Companies in India. The relationship between firm performance and selected variables in food processing sector has also been studied. Set considered for analysis consisted of 20 food processing companies with period of analysis covering 8 years from 2005 to 2012. Efficiency status of the firm was regressed upon using capital to sales ratio, labor cost to sales ratio, raw material cost to sales ratio and energy cost to sales ratio as explanatory variable. Results indicate that except for labor cost to sales ratio all other variables were having significant negative impact on the efficiency of food processing companies.

Development of Micro Food Processing Sector through Food Processing Entrepreneurship in Manipur

Micro Food processing industry is gaining its momentum in the recent years in Northeast India and particularly in Manipur. This sector plays a vital role in connecting the bridge between the agricultural produce and the entrepreneurship development. The region bestows by the abundance of unique and rich horticultural produce gives thrust to developing the food processing sector in the region. Government schemes and projects also add to the development of the sector and to the food entrepreneur by providing financial, technical and business support. The state sharing its border with the Myanmar has a significant impact on the food processing industry particularly in terms of marketing and trading aspects. Food Entrepreneurs should enhance their work on diversifying the horizons of the value added products, increasing job opportunities, marketing and technical skills etc. which will ultimately help in developing the food processing industry in the state.

Relationship between Logistics Cost and Relative Firm Efficiency in Indian Food Processing Sector

Logistics plays an important role in determining the profits for a business enterprise through a dual influence on revenues and costs. Logistics are considered critical in the growth and performance of the food processing sector. The present study was undertaken to examine the relative performance of food processing units in India on the basis of logistics cost. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was used to study the relative performance and the set considered for analysis consisted of 32 food processing units with the period of analysis covering 5 years from 2007-2011. Results indicate that no food processing unit was efficient throughout the period of analysis. Logistic regression results indicate that with a unit increase in logistics cost likelihood of the firm being efficient decreased 0.642 times. The results of the study underline the criticality of logistics management in the context of the food processing sector in India. For improving firm efficiency, it is imperative for Indian food processing companies to ensure efficiency in logistics operations.

Application of Lean in a Small and Medium Enterprise

Application of lean principles in manufacturing as well as services has been revolutionizing the operations for more than five decades. Many large as well as small enterprises have implemented lean and reported benefits in both direct and indirect activities of business. Due to advent of digital technologies and better understanding of process improvement approaches made lean much more effective across many sectors. In this chapter, we highlight various elements of lean and its application to a small enterprise in food processing sector in India. We draw some useful insights based on the implementation of lean and challenges faced by SMEs.