Nutrition meets sports science at conference

A new Scottish conference will bring together industry experts and academics from the worlds of food, nutrition and sports science this month.

A collaboration between the Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland and hosts Abertay University in Dundee, the event, Cycling & Sports - Opportunities in Food and Drink, will be attended by food and drink producers, members of the business support industry and academic staff.

Aimed at stimulating exchange of ideas, analysing trends and sharing expertise, the purpose of the conference on August 22 is to build partnerships across the sectors.

Two Edinburgh based companies are among the businesses signed up to attend.

Some are already making cycling and sports produce, while others are considering diversifying.

Networking and speed pitching sessions will take place in addition to a series of talks and one to one sessions.

Active Root, a new natural ginger based sports drink company from Edinburgh, will provide an insight into their product, which was borne out of co-founder Will Townsend’s experience during the London Marathon.

Tony Fullerton of Stoats will also give a presentation, speaking about his firm’s range of quick and easy snacks and cereals – from porridge sachets, pots, bars and boxes to oatcakes and mueslis.

Organiser Danny Cowe of the Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland, which is linked to Edinburgh Napier University, will present a talk on Opportunities in the Cycling Industry.

He said there is a real chance for Scottish businesses to tap into a global market for sports and nutrition worth over $20billion.

He added: “Cycling and sports products command high price points compared to general food stuffs and this event is an opportunity to look at how food and drink businesses can best reach that market.

“There is a major buzz around sports nutrition and health at the moment, so producing new or enhanced products can only benefit both industry and those participating in sport.”

Abertay’s Dr John Babraj, whose research includes developing models to promote cardio-metabolic health and improve sports performance, will give a talk detailing exactly what athletes require for fuel and hydration.

Dr Jonathan Wilkin, Senior Food Technologist at Food Innovation at Abertay, will speak about business support available at the University.

A tour of Abertay’s new £3.5m science labs, which boast Scotland’s only industry standard Consumer Experience Lab, will also be included.