Our history
Bia Analytical was established in June 2020, emerging from over a decade of research conducted at Queen’s University’s Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) in the wake of the horsemeat scandal.
Our world-leading advances in spectroscopy and chemometric modelling have transformed the speed and accessibility of authenticity testing.
Initially specialising in ISO17025 lab-based authenticity screening of herbs and spices for retailers and manufacturers, we’ve since expanded our expertise. Today, we build robust analytical models capable of verifying the integrity of nearly any commodity, anywhere in the supply chain, using portable Near-infrared (NIR) technology combined with cloud-based portal solutions.
Our journey
2009/10
IGFS team receive Innovators Award Project
Our first step into authenticity analysis. This is a project with PerkinElmer on Raman analysis of oil adulteration.
IGFS team receive Seed Award Project
A project with Thermo using Antaris II NIR on contamination of cereals.
2010
2011
IGFS team awarded R&D Grant InvestNI
An InvestNI funded project using Raman for contamination issues in oils used in animal feed and NIR for melamine adulteration of soya meal.
QSAFFE (Quality and Safety of Feeds and Food for Europe) project funded
An EU FP7 Funded project, coordinated by Queen’s University, using NIR and Raman for country of origin and contamination issues with feed ingredients.
2011
2012
FSA Project
A Food Standards Agency sponsored project using NIR and Raman to detect Sudan dye adulteration of chili powders.
Horse Meat Crisis
Prof Chris Elliott appointed by UK government to undertake review into the Integrity and Assurance of Food Supply Networks. This is a catalyst for growth of our authenticity testing activities.
2013
2014
InvestNI Proof of Concept Project funded – lab based testing
InvestNI funded project using FTIR to detect adulteration of oregano – this is the development and validation of the lab-based testing service we use today.
InvestNI Proof of Concept Project funded – investigation of the use of portable platforms
InvestNI funded project using handheld NIR to detect adulteration of herbs which forms the basis of our potable testing development progamme.
2016
2018
IGFS research team successful in getting onto the ICURe programme.
We discovered through this accelerator programme that our work has commercial value. We surveyed key customers, gained their insight and officially launched Bia Analytical.
Company successfully applies to InnovateUK for ICURe follow on funding
We accelerated our growth further by securing additional funding.
2019
2020
Bia Analytical trademark secured and we begin trading under the name of Bia Analytical.
Commercialisation of our services continues with further significant investment.
First 10 lab testing models developed for Herbs & Spices
Oregano, Sage, Black Pepper, Turmeric, Paprika, Garlic, Ginger, Cumin, White Pepper, Coriander
2021
2022
Rollout of REIMS technology begins
Pioneering work developed within the Institute for Global Food Security based on groundbreaking mass spec technology for meat authenticity analysis.
Common wheat flour test launched
Bia Analytical reach beyond herbs and spices and into new food groups starting with Common wheat flour.
2023
2024
Bia Analytical receives ISO 17025 accreditation
The accreditation recognises Bia Analytical’s technical competence and demonstrates that our Belfast based laboratory has achieved a level of impartiality and operational consistency.
Launch of Biametric Portable Service
Powered by advanced chemometric modelling, this portable NIR device provides instant authenticity screening. Accelerate supply chain quality control by putting product verification directly in your hands.