10122681Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) : drying, processing and encapsulation to preserve organoleptic characteristics and health benefitsClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UK**Cleobury Project Management** (previously Baldwin) are an Aberystwyth University spin-out company. They have been piloting methods to grow high-value, novel plants in Mid-Wales, on elevated terrane, enhancing potential health benefits of these botanicals after human consumption. They have been advancing encapsulating technology and spray drying to preserve bioactives in plant material. They will be partnering with **Phytoquest**, who is discovering and developing new iminosugar-derived supplements for applications in foods and beverages that support health and wellness. **Swansea University** is an internationally recognised research and teaching centre providing a base for research in response to the global challenges of food security, climate change impacts, human health, and sustainability. The **School of** **Psychology** at Swansea University have recently conducted work focussed on sustainable eating behaviour and consumer acceptability of novel foods or ingredients. Cleobury alongside Phytoquest and Swansea University, seek to test the feasibility of retaining bioactivity and organoleptic of nettles after encapsulation and within different food matrices, through both analytical methodology, inhibition-assays and consumer testing methodology. The primary consumer motivations underpinning this opportunity include demand for: * Value-added functional and novel foods, including polyphenols, to support healthy ageing across the life course. * 'all-natural', local and familiar, clean-label botanical products with reduced/no added preservatives. * Processes and products that retain health promoting chemistry with good organoleptic characteristics. The project will use and promote ethical working and supply practices, working with local suppliers whenever possible, taking expertise from industry experts to inform wellbeing actions for society, underpinning delivery with the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act. The project will bring social, health and economic benefits to the Wales and the UK and will help establish the UK as a leader in the functional foods markets.