Applied research and consultancy to develop cheeses made with vegetable coagulants

Summary

The tender covers applied research, sensory evaluation and consultancy to develop and enhance the value of cheeses made with vegetable coagulants from Cynara cardunculus L. under the CARDUNNEXT project. The work includes physicochemical, proteolytic, bioactive-component, sensory-quality and food-safety testing of 15 cheeses; establishing, training and validating three tasting panels; drafting proposed conditions for a future geographical indication for Los Pedroches cheese; and assessing the economic, social and environmental impact and market profitability of the new cheeses. The contract runs for up to 27 months and is awarded as one integrated contract, without lots. The estimated value is €50,016.25 excluding VAT, with a maximum budget of €60,519.66 including VAT. Bidders must meet the specified experience and turnover thresholds, provide technical resources and commit to a coordinator with a doctoral degree and experience in the dairy sector. Offers must be submitted electronically in Spanish; the deadline is 15 calendar days as stated in the contract notice. Price carries 50 points and the designated technical team’s qualifications and experience carry 50 points. Deliverables include analysis and research reports, a report on tasting-panel training, support for market and economic studies, a draft geographical-indication specification and an integrated final report.