Converting onions into oil. MacTavish:West find a new source of flavour from waste onions

The problem: A UK grower of fresh produce asked MacTavish:West to review market opportunities, techniques and equipment for making an essential oil from their waste crop and related by-products.

The solution: MacTavish:West reviewed the scientific and available industrial literature on this specific topic – finding very little in the public domain. As a result of our extensive industrial contacts, we identified, met with and reported back from probably the only expert in the field still living in the UK. We were also able to bring information on practices on the other side of the world into the arena. The report provided up to date market information on volume, price and suppliers, as well as suppliers of steam distillation equipment and analysis.

The result: MacTavish:West provided focused recommendations for the way forward, and a framework of ongoing support and activity.

‘We asked MacTavish:West to research the opportunity for producing a high value extract from our waste fresh produce. They provided an in-depth market review, recommended appropriate production technologies and unearthed some unique commercial opportunities.’
Highfields LLP.

Mobile steam distillation unit operating on a hillside in Cornwall.

Designed and supplied by MacTavish:West