Innovation fund helps launch 5-a-day ready meal

DONE meals are delivered frozen to preserve freshness and reduce wastage. Dishes include Vietnamese Ragu Ga, Smoked Chipotle Chilli - both a beef and a vegan version, Moroccan Tagine – which is vegan, Tortiglioni Bolgnese, Brisket Beef Bourguignon, and a Chicken and Chorizo Estofado.

Paul Mason, Co-founder and Creative Director of DONE, said:

 “I was delighted when I realised it was possible to get all 5 portions of veg or fruit into a single, delicious meal.

“We understand that doing what you can, when you can - little bits here and there, can make a massive difference to our dietary health. That’s where DONE comes in. If we can help people save time, eat well, and ultimately feel better, that’ll be job done for us.”

 Joanne Burns, FDF Scotland’s Reformulation for Health Manager, said:

“I am delighted to see the launch of DONE meals, providing healthy, nutritious and convenient meals for all.

“Increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables is such a crucial part of a healthy diet and it is essential that food manufacturers strive to increase their content.

“Most people fall 11 portions short of the recommended weekly intake of fruits and vegetables. These 5-a-day ready meals can help provide the boost that many need.

“The success of this project and the wider Healthier Product Innovation Fund proves the importance for continued funding for innovative academic partnership projects to improve the health of Scotland’s products and people.”

 Howell Davies, Interface’s Head of Strategic Programmes, said:

“DONE had the vision and ambition to develop a range of healthier ready meals to take to market with access to the support we have in Scotland such as the Healthier Product Innovation Fund to collaborate with the excellent academic expertise and facilities we have available here. 

“In this case with the team at Queen Margaret University who were up for a challenge and relished supporting the development to make it viable from a commercial and scale up perspective to take to market.”

 ENDS

 For more information or for media opportunities, please contact kirsty.tinsdale@fdfscotland.org.uk/07508 303 736

 Notes for editors:

1. DONE meals are now available via donefood.co.uk and can be shipped within EH post codes, with new areas expected to be added weekly. Please contact paul@donefood.co.uk for any further information or enquiries.
2. The Healthier Product Innovation Fund for Scotland (HPIF) has been developed by Interface and Food and Drink Federation Scotland to support Scotland’s food and drink businesses as part of the Scottish Food & Drink Recovery Plan. There is a drive to make healthier products in line with public health targets, legislation and trends towards a healthier life for a more discerning and educated consumer. The competitive fund aims to support Scottish businesses in developing healthier products by utilising the world class knowledge base and facilities across Scottish universities, research institutes and colleges.
3. FDF Scotland’s Reformulation for Health programme, funded by the Scottish Government, is helping small and medium sized food companies to make their products healthier.
4. FDF Scotland is a division of the FDF - the voice of the food and drink manufacturing industry – the UK's largest manufacturing sector. For more information about FDF Scotland and the industry we represent visit our website.
5. Interface brings Scotland’s business and academic communities together. With connections into all Scotland’s universities, colleges and research institutes Interface is based regionally to support businesses by building collaborations with academia. The collaborations solve business led challenges, support academic research and priorities, stimulate innovation and promote economic, environmental and social prosperity.