CITOLIVA is positioning itself in the development of new foods based on omics technologies within the framework of the Cervera OMIPERBIO Network

• It participates as one of the six Cervera technology centers, contributing its experience in innovation in the olive oil industry for the development of new ingredients and functional foods, with the aim of positioning the consortium as a benchmark in applied research for safe and healthy food

The OMIPERBIO Group has launched a strategic cooperation network comprised of six Spanish technology centers, including CITOLIVA, which will contribute its expertise in innovation to the olive oil industry. The objective is to strengthen applied research in omics technologies geared towards the development of new ingredients and functional foods obtained through innovative processes.

Within the framework of this initiative, CITOLIVA aims to identify and quantify the various lipids present in olive oils and in extracts of by-products from its value chain, using new lipidomics infrastructures and training in multi-omics data analysis. The project focuses on validating these extracts, developing new high-value-added fat fractions and foods formulated from high-value lipid components, and studying the effect of food processing and frying on lipid composition. This includes integrating lipidomics with other omics technologies, correlating lipid profiles with bioactive compounds beneficial to health, and creating databases that consolidate its contribution to a healthy and sustainable diet.

The project seeks to advance the positive modulation of different microbiomes, such as the human intestinal, human dermal and animal ruminal microbiomes, to improve food quality and contribute to human and animal health from a multisectoral and sustainable perspective.

Through this collaboration, the network aims to enhance the scientific and technical excellence of participating centers and position the consortium as a national and international leader in applied research for a safe and healthy food chain. Its objectives include generating a tangible impact through the development of new R&D projects, the transfer of knowledge and technology to businesses, and support for strategic sectors such as agri-food, cosmetics, and livestock.

The group is made up of six leading technology centers in Spain specializing in complementary areas of research and innovation: the National Technology Center for Canning (CTNC), the Multisectoral Research Technology Center Foundation (CETIM), the Cereal Technology Center of Castilla y León (CETECE), the Olive and Oil Technology Center (CITOLIVA), GOe Basque Culinary Center (GOe) and the Textile and Cosmetic Industry Research Association (AITEX).

The initiative is part of the Cervera OMIPERBIO Network, funded by the Centre for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI) through the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, within the aid intended for Technological Centers of Excellence “Cervera” of the State Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation 2024-2027.

The project, with file number CER-20251006, will contribute to strengthening applied research and collaboration between technology centers to promote innovative solutions in food, health and sustainability, while fostering the competitiveness of the business fabric linked to these sectors.