Frontier IP investee scores partnership with supermarket supplier

Frontier IP’s portfolio company Molendotech on Friday entered a collaboration agreement to develop water tests for fresh produce outfit G’s Group.

Molendotech, which is 14.4% owned by Frontier IP, will start work immediately on the development of tests purpose-built to detect the levels of different bacteria in produce, irrigation, washing water and food contact areas.

Simon Jackson, director of Molendotech, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for Molendotech and will allow us to develop our technology in the important food market where a rapid turn-around of produce is required. We are looking forward to working with G's to develop rapid new tests for their fresh produce."

The use of the portfolio company’s technology has the potential to cut testing times from two days to less than one hour, according to Frontier IP.

Frontier IP chief executive officer Neil Crabb said: "We're delighted with this further industry backing for Molendotech's unique IP. Fresh produce is one of the many sectors where we believe the company can make a real difference."

G’s Group, which has operations in the UK, Spain, Eastern Europe, the United States and South Africa, supplies many major retailers, including Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Lidl, M&S, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Waitrose.

Frontier IP’s shares were up 1.55% at 65.50p at 0953 BST.