Food tech firm OSY Group secures funding for international expansion

To date, Manchester-based OSY Group has received more than £500,000 in overall backing from Innovate UK to help accelerate the development of its antimicrobial packaging coating, Xtend.

The company hoped to advance partnership opportunities and undertake further research as it looks to enter markets in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong and other countries in the Asia Pacific region.

Outside of its commercial plans overseas, OSY Group is also exploring collaborative R&D projects abroad with universities and industry bodies.

‘Proven the technology’

Commenting on this latest round of funding, chief executive Marc Bratermanm (pictured) said: “Having proven our technology in fresh fruit in the UK, we now wish to understand how Xtend can be adapted for different markets, and it’s great to have the support of Innovate UK as we seek to maximise opportunities overseas.​

“The demand for our product is evident, and this latest funding will enable us to accelerate our research and development on fresh produce in other types of packaging and climates, as well as extending to include meats, fish, poultry and bakery items.”​

Innovate UK’s Global Explorers Programme aims to support UK SMEs to carry out projects that will help them to explore global opportunities and to build research and innovation partnerships internationally.

Andreas Johansen, senior innovation and growth specialist at Innovate UK Business Growth, added: “OSY Group is a highly innovative company which has already made promising connections overseas and wants to make the most of these opportunities. ​

‘International opportunities’

“We are proud to be part of OSY Group's exciting R&D journey. This includes supporting Marc and the team with innovation funding through the Innovate UK Better Food for All competition, and now with international opportunities. We look forward to continuing to support OSY Group.”​

Xtend enables a range of food items to stay fresher for longer by leaving microscopic pins on packaging surfaces which puncture and kill microbes, which OSY Group claims slow the natural spoiling process that affects the produce within.

OSY Group is set to bring Xtend to market in the UK and internationally over the next few months and has previously raised £1m from individual investors to support its development.

Meanwhile, plant-based ready meals manufacturer Allplants has raised an additional £1.8m in finance​​ as it announces the appointment of its first chairman.