“COMPLEX TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CEREAL-BASED SOFT DRINKS. INVESTIGATION OF THE POSSIBILITY OF ENRICHING HEALTH-PROTECTING COMPONENTS IN DRINKS”
▪ Project identification number: 2020-1.1.2-PIACI-KFI-2021-00269
▪ Grant amount: HUF 399,755,181
▪ Grant intensity: 48.96%
▪ Project budget: HUF 816,548,072
▪ Implementation period: July 1, 2021 – March 31, 2025.
BRIEF SUMMARY AND INTRODUCTION OF THE PROJECT:
As a result of the research and development activities carried out during the project, we developed the production technology for isotonic and vitamin-enriched non-alcoholic drinks and produced their prototypes, which uniquely combine brewing technology with health-conscious consumer expectations for functional drinks.
PSF was the first in Hungary to launch Radler beers in the mid-1990s. The growing demand for the products is shown by the fact that production has increased tenfold in the last three years. Seeing the increase in market demand, we wanted to supplement our Radler product range with a functional product. During product development, we used innovative production technology solutions that enable us to produce an isotonic drink based on beer, but alcohol-free, rich in vitamins, and with a refreshing effect. The functional effect was achieved by adding B vitamins and the isotonic properties of the drink. We selected the “most marketable” product from drinks with different flavors through tastings, which we are marketing in our own designed packaging. According to the feedback, the sour cherry drink called “Radler ReBoost” has a fresh, pleasantly refreshing, light, fruity taste.
This development has opened up a new market segment for us: the circle of health-conscious, active lifestyle consumers. Based on the favorable reception of the product and test market feedback, we are expected to achieve a significant market share in the functional drinks segment, which is currently dynamically expanding in Hungary and several EU member states, as well as in the Middle East.
As a result of the project, 10 new jobs were created: on the one hand, related to product development and the construction of production capacity, and on the other hand, due to the expansion of distribution, in the areas of sales (domestic and foreign), logistics and administration.
The professional results achieved during the project directly contributed to the strengthening of our market position, the opening of new business opportunities, and the foundation for long-term sustainable growth. The acquisition of new technological equipment related to the production of the product and the transformation of the production process also significantly contributed to the technical renewal of the company. The developments made it possible to introduce our new product, which is already showing significant interest in the market.
The location of the project is:
7624 Pécs, Alkotmány u 94.
Further information is available from:
Mrs. Hegyesné Dr. Beáta Vecseri
VecseriB@pecsisor.hu
The project was implemented with the support of the following collaborating organization:
National Research, Development and Innovation Office
Address: 1077 Budapest, Kéthly Anna tér 1.
E-mail: nkfialap@nkfih.gov.hu
Infoline: +36-1-795-9500
Website: www.nkfih.gov.hu
