Dübendorf, Switzerland
23 January 2012

QualySense, an EMPA-based start-up company focused on innovative grain and seeds sorting technology, announces that it is collaborating with SGS Agricultural Services, a division of SGS Group, to develop applications based on the QualySense proprietary sorting technology, to detect and remove fungal or contaminated grains. The market potential of these applications is significant.

SGS is the world leader in inspection, verification, testing and certification; helping to ensure the integrity of the agricultural value chain by providing services that cover all aspects of the agricultural industry, assisting customers worldwide to operate in a more sustainable manner, manage crops, enhance seed development, move product through the global supply chain, and manage trade inspection at export and import.

The QualySense solution will allow grain handlers and food processors to improve productivity and to contribute to a more sustainable agriculture. The market is extremely attractive, as current practices for removal of fungal or insect damaged grains result in significant losses of the commodity. QualySense’s approach of “one by one” analysis and sorting will enable higher reliability of the product along the value chain and to effectively identify the contaminated grains and seeds, which will lead agricultural players to higher productivity.

QualySense will deploy this sorting technology worldwide and expects to have its sorting devices in the market by 2013. SGS expects to be adding the technology to its portfolio of inspection and risk management services at the same time.

QualySense’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Francesco Dell’Endice, says:
«With such a strong partner we can further accelerate the development of our technology and expand our applications portfolio. QualySense, with the help of SGS experts, will invest their resources to develop targeted applications for detecting and fighting food contaminations at an early stage. This solution will allow grain handlers and food processors to greatly improve yields and contribute to a more sustainable agriculture. We have selected SGS because of its impressive geographical footprint and knowledge of agricultural markets.»

SGS’ Vice President of Global Business Development in Agricultural Services, Gennadiy Shulga, says:
« Growing population and increasing consumption of food will tighten the global food supply and demand balances. Solving the increasing issue of food supply will require increasing production, but just as importantly a reduction of losses in the supply chain. Approximately 20% of grain production is lost during post harvest storage, processing and distribution. Globally this figure runs into millions of tonnes, which cannot be delivered to consumers. Efforts to minimise these losses are essential and a significant contribution can be realised by this project. With SGS experience and expertise combined with the innovative approach of Qualysense, higher levels of food safety management will also be realised. »

Website: http://www.qualysense.com

Published: January 23, 2012