Government minister Dr Reti gets a taste of Massey food science and innovation

14 July 2025 - The research done at the Riddet Institute was a highlight for the Hon Shane Reti on a whirlwind tour of the Massey University’s Turitea campus on Thursday.

As part of his tour of Massey’s agrifood campus, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology watched the Riddet Institute's human gastric simulator in action and was updated about emerging technology in alternative proteins.

"I was looking at what parts of the research agenda have a clear connection to recognisable commercialisation outcomes, and what part is basic research," Dr Reti said.  "I am aiming to get a sense of the science across the whole New Zealand enterprise, what particular parts Massey is good at."

At the Riddet Institute Dr Alejandra Acevedo-Fani and Dr Juliana Leite showed Dr Reti the ground-breaking human gastric simulator, which simulates the work of the stomach in breaking down food.

Dr Reti also learned about the Institute's cutting-edge work with precision fermentation. Riddet-AgResearch Chair of Alternative Proteins Professor Munish Puri described the microbial bioprocessing methods being developed to produce animal-free proteins, smart fats, flavours and sustainable foods of the future. 

Fresh from his tour of the Riddet Institute, at Massey University, Dr Reti was very complimentary of the work being done on campus.

"Parts of what they do there I was not aware of. I certainly am more knowledgeable now and very impressed.

"I thoroughly enjoyed talking to some of the scientists, and some of the researchers, around what their ambitions and endeavours are in the food and fibre space."