The QMU
research has
allowed Louise
Elder to provide
evidence-based
marketing
information
which accurately
reflects the
benefits of her
product.
Essentially, the research work
aimed to establish the fatty acid
profile as well as the antioxidant
content of the oil. The team
also wanted to ensure that the
nutritional benefits of the oil were
not destroyed by normal cooking
and heating. Black & Gold is considered to
be a premium oil and is used by
many top chefs around the country.
Due to its superb flavour and rich
golden colour, it is championed in
Edinburgh by Stuart Muir, Executive
Head Chef of Harvey Nichols Forth
Floor Restaurant.
Dr McKenzie said: “Our analysis
showed that Black & Gold
rapeseed oil does indeed contain
naturally occurring antioxidants
in the form of polyphenols and
that these are still active after
domestic cooking such as shallow
frying. Polyphenols actively work
in the body to prevent certain
disease mechanisms occurring.
Polyphenols are antioxidants from
plant foods that have been proven
to enhance health and it’s generally
recognised that they can reduce
the risk factors of cardiovascular
disease and can help protect the
body from chronic disease.” L o u i s e s a i d : “ To r u n a
sustainable small business we
must have integrity. This research
is now allowing us to accurately
communicate the benefits of our
product, provide advice about how
the oil should be used to maintain
its nutritional properties and to state
what differentiates Black & Gold
from other oils. This is all essential
information for our suppliers,
customers and the culinary experts
who actively promote its use.
The research was also able to
confirm that the overall balance
between Omega 3 and Omega 6
fatty acids conforms to the World
Health Organisation’s international
guidelines. This means that Black
& Gold may be superior to oils
commonly used for cooking, such
as sunflower and extra virgin olive
oil, due to its favourable Omega 3
to Omega 6 ratio and antioxidant
content.
The QMU research has allowed
Louise Elder to provide evidence
based marketing information which
accurately reflects the benefits of
her product.
Dr McKenzie confirmed: “The
company can now say with total
confidence that Black & Gold
rapeseed oil is an ideal healthy
choice of oil which is versatile –
meaning it can be used successfully
as a drizzle oil or for shallow or
occasional deep fat frying.”
“The research has also helped with
our business expansion. Armed
with the facts, we can confidently
p ro v i d e a c c u r a t e p ro d u c t
information when approaching new
investors.”
Louise concluded: “Acquiring the
true nutritional knowledge about
Black & Gold would have been
impossible without the expertise
of the QMU team. I would urge
any food producer who needs
assistance in developing their
business to make use of academic
expertise and business support
offered by QMU. As a country,
Scottish businesses need to be
more proactive in harnessing the
wealth of expertise that is available
within Scottish universities.”
The Black & Gold research
project was supported by a £5,000
Innovation Voucher provided by
Interface, the knowledge exchange
agency which matches businesses
with university experts. ❒
If your business could benefit from research support or business
advice contact Miriam Smith, Business Development Executive at
QMU on T: 0131 474 0000 or E: [email protected]
QMYOU / Commercial Feature
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