Businesses across Omagh and the surrounding area are increasingly exploring how innovation and new technologies could shape the future of food production.
A new report from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) highlights several emerging food innovations that could influence the UK food system by 2035.
For food producers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs across Fermanagh and Omagh, these developments could present new opportunities for product development, sustainable food production and agri-food innovation.
Emerging food innovations highlighted in the report
Vertical farming
Growing crops indoors in controlled environments using advanced lighting and climate systems. This approach can reduce land use and enable year-round production closer to towns and cities.
Cellular agriculture
Producing food products, including meat and dairy alternatives, using cell-based techniques rather than traditional livestock farming.
Precision fermentation
Using microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria to produce proteins and other ingredients that can be used in food products.
Edible insects
Insects processed and sold either as whole foods or as ingredients in products such as protein powders, snack foods and other alternative protein products.
Molecular farming
Using plants or plant cells to produce specific proteins or enzymes that can be used in food production.
Gas fermentation
A process that converts gases, such as carbon dioxide, into food ingredients using microbial fermentation.
3D food printing
Technology that builds food products by printing layers of edible ingredients into customised shapes or textures.
Reverse food manufacturing
Repurposing food by-products or waste streams to create new ingredients, helping to reduce food waste and improve sustainability.
Opportunities for local businesses
The agri-food sector remains a key part of the local economy across Omagh and the wider Fermanagh and Omagh district. As new food technologies emerge, they could create opportunities for local producers, food manufacturers and entrepreneurs to explore innovative products and more sustainable production methods.
Keeping informed about these trends can help businesses understand how the future food system may evolve and where new opportunities may emerge in the years ahead.
The Emerging Food Innovations in the UK report sets out how these technologies may influence food safety, regulation and business operations. It gives early insight to help businesses plan investment, research and manufacturing strategies with greater confidence.
Find out more about the top emerging UK food innovations: 2025-2035
