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As the global health and nutrition industry accelerates, scientific innovation has emerged as a driving force shaping the future.
Recently, Ophelia Yang, Project Lead at the New Zealand Food Research Lab (NZFRL), a subsidiary of the Unipharm Group, was invited to attend the Future Foods Congress 2025 in Singapore. At the event, NZFRL joined scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers from around the world to share its cutting-edge practices in sustainable pet nutrition.
01 A Premier Global Event in Food Innovation
The Future Foods Congress 2025, organized by publishing giant Elsevier, focuses on future food innovation, sustainability, and next-generation biotechnological solutions. The event brought together leading research in fields such as cellular agriculture, precision fermentation, and AI-powered food systems, aiming to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and shape a sustainable, zero-hunger future.
As a leading force in global academic publishing, Elsevier is a trusted partner for Nobel laureates and top universities, renowned for promoting research innovation and knowledge sharing.
The congress was also supported by prominent institutions including the National University of Singapore (NUS).
02 NZFRL Research Spotlight: Innovative Pet Nutrition for a Sustainable Future
The New Zealand Food Research Lab (NZFRL) is an independently operated research institute under Unipharm Group. It plays a key role in Unipharm’s “research-driven CDMO” model, overseeing ingredient science, functionality validation, formulation design, process development, and product transformation.
NZFRL shared breakthroughs in pet nutrition innovation
At the event, Ophelia Yang presented NZFRL’s latest innovations in sustainable pet nutrition, upcycling of food by-products, and functional delivery systems.
Among the highlights was NZFRL’s pioneering research project—“Sustainable Functional Pet Gummies.”
- Sustainability meets functionality: The project transforms by-products such as seafood waste, olive pomace, and kiwifruit enzyme residue into functional pet gummies, delivering both nutritional and environmental value.
- Global recognition: The patented technology was awarded the Callaghan Innovation Ārohia Trailblazer Grant in New Zealand and recognized as the world’s first in the category of “upcycled functional pet nutrition.”
- End-to-end innovation: In collaboration with leading Chinese pharmaceutical companies, NZFRL integrates pet medications into high-protein functional gummies, improving medication compliance and supporting the global standardization of pet health products and circular economy development.
Empowering Global Health through Science
NZFRL’s vision extends beyond pet nutrition to the broader “human–pet–planet” ecosystem, advancing collaborations across agriculture, food processing, and veterinary science. Up to 90% of materials used in its premium pet products come from renewable sources, reinforcing New Zealand’s leadership in circular bioeconomy innovation.
03 Driving Competitive Advantage through Research
Unipharm is committed to driving its core competitiveness through scientific research, leveraging New Zealand’s natural resources and advanced manufacturing to deliver world-class nutrition solutions. Looking ahead, NZFRL will continue deepening collaboration with global institutions and accelerating the international application of sustainable food technologies.
Upcoming Event • Pet Fair Asia 2025
This August, Unipharm will join the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) as part of the New Zealand Pavilion at the 27th Pet Fair Asia.
We will showcase 100% New Zealand-made pet nutrition solutions. Visit us at Booth N5F01-09 to explore new opportunities in OEM/CDMO collaboration!
