A day of on-the-job training in close contact with two internationally renowned industrial companies. Last June 5th, the students of Master's Degree Course in Food Science and Technology and Food Design (FoodTech) of the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome took part in an educational visit to the plants of Froneri Italy Srl e Ittella Italy Srl., two leading companies in the food sector based in Lazio.
The initiative, included in the academic path of the course, represented an important opportunity for experiential learning, aimed at bringing students closer to the industrial context, integrating in a concrete way the theoretical dimension with the direct observation of production processes and company dynamics.
The first stage took place at the Italian plant of froneri, an international group specialized in the production of ice cream and owner of iconic brands such as Motta Ice Cream, Coppa del Nonno, Maxibon, La Cremeria, Pirulo, Antica Gelateria Del Corso, Nuii e Oreo. Accompanied by the doctor Maristella Coppola (Froneri Italy Quality Manager), the students were able to visit, in addition to the production plant, the department Research and Development, observing the different phases of the production chain: from the formulation of the mixtures to the packaging and storage of the finished products.
The visit then continued at Ittella Italy Srl., Italian production plant of the American company Planted Ventures LLC , an internationally recognized reality for its innovative approach in the production of frozen plant-based foods. The students were welcomed by the dr. Francesco Bardari, Chief Operating Officer, and the dr. Pericles Pyrrhus, Production Manager, who accompanied them inside the plants, illustrating in detail the main processing phases. During the journey, crucial aspects such as quality control, the organization of the production chain and the constant attention to sustainability and traceability of raw materials were explored in depth — key elements to guarantee the excellence and safety of the final product.
The educational value of the initiative was discussed by teacher. Marco Santonico, President of the FoodTech Study Course. "Experiences like this represent an essential training moment for those preparing to work in the food technology sector. Direct contact with excellent companies such as Froneri and Ittella allows students to apply the skills learned in the classroom to the production reality, closely understanding the daily challenges of the industrial world. It is also thanks to the availability and active collaboration of companies that we are able to build a solid training path, capable of combining theory, practice and an ethical vision of the profession".
During the day, students were able to delve into central issues for the food sector, including the management of raw materials, transformation processes, quality control, as well as marketing and product communication strategies. An experience with a strong educational value, which allowed them to observe closely how innovation, sustainability and corporate organization are integrated into the daily practice of advanced production realities.
This experience represents a perfect example of the commitment of the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome to promote a constant and fruitful dialogue between the academic and industrial worlds. Initiatives like this consolidate the relationship between theoretical knowledge, applied practice and personal development, training professionals prepared to face the challenges of their professional future with confidence and responsibility.
