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Our staff are actively involved in research to help improve the competitive position of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink industry.

With access to a range of data science tools, the centre provides data-led insights to better understand today’s consumer.

Using market intelligence (e.g., Mintel and Euromonitor), sensory analysis (e.g., Compusense), and big data (e.g., dunnhumby Tesco Clubcard) the centre specialises in a data driven approach to innovation to help businesses better understand the needs of their customer.

More recently, the centre has invested in new technologies to better understand consumer behaviour and retail design.

The creation of the Consumer Insight Lab is the only Virtual Reality Convenience store experience on the island of Ireland.

In this section

Our research projects

Our academic research has centred on an understanding of the consumer and policy support for the local food and drink industry.

Our industry projects

Our staff work extensively across industry on a wide variety of commercially related projects to help support food and drink businesses.

Our PhD Research

Within the Centre we are actively involved in supporting PhD Research that will support the food and drink industry.

Our consultation submissions

At the Food and Drink Business Development Centre we actively engage with local government on a range of industry and consumer issues.

Our media work

Within the Food and Drink Business Development Centre our staff actively engage with a range of local and national media outlets.