Human-centred research and design approach to develop innovative sensor technology for the olive oil industry

"Olive oil has been produced for at least 8000 years and, today, the European olive oil market is valued at €3 billion. Olive oil continues to play a fascinating role in diet and health, with studies indicating that daily consumption of extra virgin olive oil as part of a Mediterranean diet can increase survival among older Europeans. Since the horsemeat scandal of 2013, there has been a heightened awareness of food fraud in increasingly fragmented global supply chains. Extra virgin olive oil is a particularly high-value and vulnerable food product, which regularly tops the list of foods most at risk of fraud in the EU. EU regulations controlling the composition and characteristics of olive oil came into force in the UK in February 2014, but only require one conformity check per thousand tons of olive oil, in other words only 59 tests a year in the UK. Of these tested olive oils in the UK, a recent study found that 1 in 3 breached quality standards.

Liquid Vision Innovation, a London-based SME, are developing smart sensors for the olive oil industry to assure and improve quality. Mediterranean-produced olive oil accounts for 95% of world production and our product is primarily intended for use in the key olive oil-producing regions (Spain, Italy, Greece), particularly at the olive oil mills and bottlers.

This Innovate UK-funded project will enable Liquid Vision Innovation to work with experienced design professionals at the Imagination Factory to apply and adopt early-stage human-centred research and design processes to ensure that the product provides a desirable and fit-for-purpose solution for the olive oil industry. It is anticipated that this project will lead to significant growth and export opportunities for Liquid Vision Innovation. In addition, the developed sensor will be a tool for improving olive oil quality, increasing quality-based product differentiation and improving competitiveness for olive oil producers, as well as ensuring quality for consumers."