Collaboration between Roga-Agro and LBTU: freeze-dried meals gaining popularity in Latvia and abroad

In collaboration with scientists from the Food Institute of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) food production sector company Roga-Agro has created an innovative product, which since its début in the market last year has gained significant popularity in Latvia and abroad. Good Mood Meals are ready-made meals with a long shelf-life which have been developed using state-of-the-art freeze-drying technology. The collaboration between the company and scientists demonstrates that food with a long shelf-life can not only fulfil the function of providing necessary nutrients, but it can also be wholesome, natural and delicious.

Freeze-drying or lyophilization is a food processing method whereby the water content in the food is significantly reduced, while up to 97% of its nutrients are preserved. This technology, which is widely used in the space, defence and tourism industries, ensures a long shelf-life without adding any preservatives. Dehydrated meals become lightweight, making them easily portable.

Good Mood Meals can safely be stored up to eight years at room temperature. Studies are still ongoing, and scientists have reason to believe that the product may retain its properties and nutritional value even longer – up to 25 years. For this reason, these products are especially well-suited for the military, active leisure, emergencies and national food reserves.

By simply adding warm water to the pack, one can enjoy various meals – starting from chicken curry, pilaf or pasta carbonara to classic deserts, such as blackcurrant crumble or rice pudding with strawberries. The developers are especially proud that after reconstitution, the meals retain the consistency and authentic taste of the fresh product.

Collaboration and development

Roga-Agro’s collaboration with LBTU dates to 2010 and the joint development of dry rations to be used by the National Armed Forces. The idea to create freeze-dried meals was later born based on this experience and knowledge of the requirements of the defence industry.

Market research showed the product to have a huge potential for both military and civilian purposes. To develop the idea, the company used support provided by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) to obtain co-funding in the amount of 50% for the necessary equipment. Furthermore, in 2022, the company used the innovation voucher programme to collaborate with scientists from the Food Institute of the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Biotechnology to develop prototypes, perform laboratory testing and consumer trials.

“As with any state support programme, we had to put effort into preparing the documentation and taking care of formalities, but everything was understandable – these are funds coming from the state and EU budget after all. The co-financing was crucial: without it we would probably not have undertaken the project,” Oņega Circene, Head of Good Mood Meals, explains.

Plans for expansion and exports

Good Mood Meals products are currently available for purchase in the company’s on-line store, specialised tourism and active leisure stores. Exports are also being successfully developed: the company’s products are available in brick-and-mortar stores, as well as via on-line market platforms in France, the Netherlands, and Finland. The company is planning to soon start selling their product on the Amazon global marketplace, starting from the German Amazon website.

The company currently consists of a team of 15, but with production volumes increasing it is looking forward to rapid growth. In addition to ready-made meals, Roga-Agro is also continuing to supply the National Armed Forces with dry rations and manages a small food store and café on site at their factory in Salaspils.

Although interest in the new products is booming, the company notes that they still need to actively introduce the freeze-drying process and explain it to potential customers. To this end, the company regularly takes part in local and international trade fairs and is establishing partnerships with foreign distributors.

“We believe that our advantage is the excellent recipe and taste of the product. When compared to competing products, our customers acknowledge that Good Mood Meals are distinguished by a significantly better taste. Our products win any taste test,” Ms Circene highlights.

The company is currently actively working on developing new products, improving their recipes and making other tweaks, which, according to the company, is all geared towards making the product even more functional and attractive for consumers.

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