915 Labs continues to operate as Tata subsidiary
Company is selling MATS-42 commercial production systems
Food manufacturers developing MATS-made foods at 4 innovation centers
Denver, CO, August 26, 2020 — Food-tech startup 915 Labs today announced that the company has been acquired by the Tata Group and is now a US-based wholly owned subsidiary of the international conglomerate. Mahadev Gurjar, a 14-year veteran of Tata Group, was appointed 915 Labs president.
915 Labs was founded in 2014 to commercialize the novel food preservation technologies known as Microwave Assisted Thermal Sterilization (MATS™) and Microwave Assisted Pasteurization (MAPS™). The patented, FDA-accepted technologies take the 'process' out of food processing by minimizing the time food is exposed to high heat. The result is higher quality, better tasting and more nutritious packaged foods for the shelf and refrigerator case.
Mahadev Gurjar, President of 915 Labs said: “MATS is the technology that will enable global food companies to produce the high-quality packaged foods that are in demand around the world. It’s a transformational solution that solves many of the issues facing the food industry today, including overcoming cold chain challenges, capturing agricultural surplus and reducing food waste.”
Tata Group subsidiary Tata SmartFoodz was an early investor and customer of 915 Labs. The company launched Tata Q, the first commercially available MATS-made foods in the world. The Tata Q line of 12 shelf-stable dishes includes pasta and rice dishes, appetizers and combination meals and is currently sold in retailers and convenience stores throughout India.
915 Labs is currently manufacturing both the MATS-B and a MATS-42 commercial production system capable of processing up to 17 million single-serve trays annually (rigid and flexible packaging options are also available). A MAPS-90 pasteurization-only system will be available in 2021.
Unlike conventional food processing in which packaged foods are held at high temperatures for up to an hour, the MATS/MAPS technology uses a combination of pressurized hot water and microwave energy to shorten the time food is exposed to high heat. The shorter process preserves nutrients, color, texture and flavors—and eliminates the need for excess salt and artificial additives.
Gurjar added: “The acquisition of 915 Labs by Tata Group is a significant milestone, and one that will accelerate the growth of the company. The backing of a reputed company like Tata will enable 915 Labs to expand use of the technology to customers around the globe.”
There are currently four product development centers for MATS/MAPS-made foods around the world. Each is equipped with a pilot-scale MATS-B system and support personnel to assist food companies in developing shelf-stable and pasteurized products for the market:
Tata Smartfoodz, Sri City, India
Ameriqual, Evansville, Indiana
Centre for Food Innovation, University of Tasmania, Scottsdale, Tasmania, Australia
Washington State University, Pullman, Washington.
In addition to product development capabilities, Tata Smartfoodz in Sri City, India can provide commercial-scale testing and co-manufacturing capabilities on a case-by-case basis. A MATS co-manufacturing center is expected to open in the US in 2021.
Notes to Editors
For more information on purchasing a MATS/MAPS system or co-manufacturing, please email info@915labs.com or visit 915labs.com.
Media contact: mary@mrhpr.com