Brahim Bchir: Pioneering sustainable food solutions at Solufruit

At the heart of Solufruit’s innovative approach to sustainable food solutions is Brahim Bchir, the current R&D and Quality Manager. With a background in agronomic engineering and a commitment to sustainability, Bchir has become a driving force behind Solufruit’s mission to provide eco-friendly food solutions.

From academia to industry leadership

Bchir’s journey into the agro-food industry began in 2004, after obtaining his engineering degree in agronomy from the University of Sousse in Tunisia. He furthered his studies at Gembloux Agro-BioTech, University of Liège, where he earned a PhD in Agronomic Sciences and Biological Engineering. His doctoral research on pomegranate seed preservation through osmotic dehydration laid the foundation for his extensive work on sustainable food processing technologies.

Throughout his career, Bchir has combined academic rigor with practical applications. His early experience working on the Wall-Aid project in collaboration with the renowned Siroperie Meurens focused on the valorisation of by-products from Liège syrup, such as apples, pears, and dates. This project, aimed at creating economically viable and environmentally friendly solutions, and was a steppingstone toward his current role at Solufruit.

Innovating sustainable food solutions

Since 2022, Brahim Bchir has been spearheading research and development at Solufruit. His role as R&D and Quality Manager enables him to integrate scientific research with real-world industrial challenges, developing sustainable solutions for the food industry. Solufruit’s commitment to sustainability is closely aligned with Bchir’s vision of reducing food waste and optimising food production processes.

Bchir’s recent research includes the development of functional ingredients from fruit by-products, such as his 2022 study published in Foods journal, where he explored how date, apple, and pear by-products can enhance the quality and nutritional value of pasta. His work exemplifies the way Solufruit seeks to lead the charge in sustainable food innovation by transforming waste into valuable products.

Leading in quality and sustainability

At Solufruit, Bchir’s leadership extends beyond R&D. As Quality Manager, he ensures that the company’s products meet the highest standards, combining safety with innovation. His recent patent, filed in 2024, for a formulation of cookies made with dehydrated pomegranate seed powder, is a testament to his commitment to combining flavor, health, and sustainability.

Bchir’s academic achievements, including more than 30 scientific publications and a Google Scholar h-index of 17, showcase his influence in the field. His work at Solufruit is helping to shape the future of sustainable food innovations, contributing to a greener environment.

Brahim Bchir’s role at Solufruit embodies the company’s mission to develop sustainable food solutions. His background in scientific research, combined with his industry expertise, ensures that Solufruit is on its way to innovate while adhering to high standards of quality and sustainability. Through his leadership, the company is making strides in reducing food waste and pioneering eco-friendly products for the global food market.