ABSTRACT
Production of foods is of prime societal importance. In the Western world, food production has become highly industrialized. On a historical note, things have changed dramatically. At the start of the industrialization of the food production by the end of the nineteenth century, preservation of foods was the main approach, used to overcome seasonal shortages and to prevent spoilage. When that objective was reached, attention shifted. This shift occurred roughly around World War II, with the goal to improve food in the sense of nutritional value and eating quality. Furthermore, processes were optimized and made more effi cient. After that, convenience became the goal, starting some time in the 1960s. Now, we are in the era when food and health are the main targets for companies to work on.
