Small-scale food processing is important worldwide. For individual processors, it is highly accessible as a start-up business, especially for women; farmers and fishermen can readily diversify into processing to increase their incomes; and high added-value enables processors to earn an income from relatively small scales of production. For policy makers, small-scale food processing can create employment, increase food security and improve nutritional standards. Written by an experienced food technologist and author, this book provides comprehensive technical and business information on all aspects of small-scale food processing in a single text. From how to assess the market, to primary and secondary processing, packaging, managing food safety and finances, the book covers all the technical details and up-to-date information needed by a food processor. It is written in simple language suitable for the non-specialist and also for people who have English as a second language.This manual is essential reading for existing or potential food business owners to improve their processing operations, and increase profitability. It is also intended as a guide and reference book for advisers and staff in organizations that support small-scale food processing businesses, for trainers on courses in food science and technology, and a reference book for students studying these subjects. Sections of the manual may also be useful to policy makers, program managers and others in government or third sector organizations, who wish to use food processing to promote economic development or to improve food security.

Food processing is a valuable way of preserving food to increase food security, minimize waste and generate extra income. This makes it an important area for agricultural development projects and income-generation schemes which often require careful preparation and planning as the raw materials can be highly perishable or seasonal and supplies unpredictable. This guide provides development workers and small-scale entrepreneurs with the basic information and advice that they need to set up a small-scale food processing enterprise. Part one considers the food processes that are suitable for different crops, including: fruit and vegetable products, cereal and pulse-based products; milk and milk products, and meat and fish products. Part two is an annotated directory giving the appropriate equipment needed to process a particular food, an index of manufacturers, the approximate costs and the names and addresses of manufacturers. The potential uses of various equipment is examined and much of the equipment is clearly illustrated.; In this new edition, the main text which guides the reader through the stages of food processing activities has been reorganized and clarified and the catalogu

Training in food processing can open up opportunities for individuals who lack business experience, by providing training in costing and marketing a new product. This book offers a blueprint for such comprehensive training.It first explains the importance of needs assessment, course preparation, monitoring and follow up, and the value of practical work and opportunities for trainees to discuss their ideas and discoveries. There are then ten case studies describing successful courses in three continents, and showing how the theory is put into practice and adapted to particular circumstances.With examples of forms and lesson plans, photographs of appropriate training environments, and details of institutions that support food-processing training, there is a wealth of information for trainers and organizers of courses throughout the world.

Drawing on the author's own experiences, this work is a practical, illustrated summary of the different aspects of establishing a small food business in a developing country. It covers the main technical aspects of finding and equipping a site and scheduling production, as well as addressing business factors, such as registering a business, conducting market surveys, keeping financial records, and complying with the law. It is intended as a guide for extension workers supporting small enterprise development programmes, or for new enterprises which are getting established.