ALIFUN

Sviluppo di ALImenti FUNzionali - Development of Functional Food for the Innovation of Traditional Italian Food Products

PON “RESEARCH AND INNOVATION” 2014 - 2020 and FSC  

Project Code ARS01_00783

The objective of the ALIFUN project is to develop, on an industrial scale, prototypes of functional foods in the main agri-food sectors typical of the Mediterranean diet (dairy, cereal, meat products, fruits and vegetables, olive oil, wine).

Artificial Intelligence in the agri-food sector

Functional foods are foods that, in addition to their basic nutritional properties, offer additional health benefits. These foods are rich in bioactive substances that can positively influence the body's physiological functions, contributing to general well-being and disease prevention.

The development of functional foods was pursued by characterising the presence of the bioactive components naturally present or added in the food, applying established chemical, agronomic, biotechnological and microbiological methodologies, and developing new process technologies.

During the project, activities were also carried out to prototype novel foods of interest to the health sector of the agri-food industry and to develop technological and innovative tools for digital marketing research. The research was conducted in close collaboration with leading companies in the area that focus on process and product innovation as a tool for improving competitiveness in national and international markets.

The project was managed through a public-private partnership that facilitated the advancement of knowledge in different scientific fields aimed at the transfer of technological solutions for the innovation of typical Italian food products. Exprivia was responsible for the development of a chatbot based on QuestIt's Algho conversational agent, supported by Artificial Intelligence and trained to answer questions in order to collect the information envisaged by the project The chatbot, which supports digital marketing, is able to offer an interactive communication channel with agri-food companies, provide information on the authenticity and quality of products, and capture consumer behaviour patterns, feedback and preferences.

The chatbot was tested at two agri-food companies for the promotion of both already marketed products and new products to be launched on the market. Its use also made it possible to gather useful indications for the possible improvement of existing products or to direct the market launch of new products.

PARTNERSHIP

Research Institutes

CNR – National Research Council (Lead partner)

Anton Dohrne Zoological Station

Industrial Partners

Exprivia S.P.A

Caseificio Cirigliana S.R.L.

Ladisa S.R.L.

Alimenta S.R.L.

Valle Fiorita Catering S.R.L.

GMF Oliviero F.lli S.R.L.

Gerfrio S.R.L.

Industrie Fracchiolla S.P.A.

Eurolive S.R.L.