HUDDERSFIELD UNIVERSITY & PURATOS UNITE

Huddersfield University and Puratos Unite on Bread Improver Research

The University of Huddersfield has joined forces with global bakery ingredients specialist Puratos to develop next-generation bread improvers designed to boost fibre content without compromising quality.

The three-year collaboration, part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) supported by Innovate UK, brings together academic expertise and industrial innovation to address one of baking’s biggest challenges: creating healthier, high-fibre breads that still deliver on taste and texture.

Led by Professor Grant Campbell, Director of the university’s Biorefinery Engineering and Bioprocessing Research Centre, the project will use advanced mathematical modelling to predict how ingredients interact in dough systems. This data-driven approach aims to accelerate product development and reduce the need for time-consuming trial-and-error testing.

Dr Liam Morris, the KTP Associate, will work closely with the Puratos R&D team to map how different fibre sources influence dough behaviour, loaf volume, and crumb structure. The insights will guide the creation of new improvers that help bakers produce soft, flavourful breads with added nutritional value.

Professor Campbell said: “Our goal is to bridge the gap between science and baking practice. By understanding how fibres behave at a fundamental level, we can help the industry deliver breads that are both nutritious and enjoyable.”

A spokesperson for Puratos added: “Health and wellbeing are at the heart of modern baking. This partnership allows us to combine Huddersfield’s research expertise with our practical experience to develop solutions that truly meet consumer expectations.”

The project reflects a wider shift in the bakery industry towards health-focused innovation and reformulation. With fibre intake in the UK still below recommended levels, improving the nutritional quality of staple products like bread could have a significant impact.

By linking academic research with real-world application, Huddersfield and Puratos hope to set a new benchmark for bakery innovation — ensuring that better-for-you products never come at the expense of great taste.