The project of Hijos de Rivera’s R&D&I area has been carried out in collaboration with the Galician Supercomputing Center (CESGA), the Fujitsu International Quantum Center and the Catholic University San Antonio of Murcia (UCAM).

A Coruña, July 1, 2024- Hijos de Rivera is developing an ambitious research project in which, for the first time in the world, quantum computing and Artificial Intelligence have been used to simulate the perception of taste. This initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Fujitsu International Quantum Center, the Centro de Supercomputación de Galicia (CESGA) and the Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), aims to explore the possibilities offered by quantum technology to evaluate the most relevant associations between molecules, known in the scientific field as “molecular docking”.

This advance will allow to evaluate the potential use of biomolecules in order to achieve new developments in the composition of food and beverages.

After three years of working with these technologies, Hijos de Rivera’s R&D&I team has obtained the first results of its research, simulating the behavior of the freshness receptors present in the taste buds, a behavior that could not be explained by classical analysis systems. This is a breakthrough that will allow, in the future, not only to represent the flavor of certain ingredients, but also to evaluate the potential use of biomolecules in order to achieve new developments in the composition of food and beverages.

This project, which is part of the corporation’s commitment to innovation, has involved a multidisciplinary team led by Jose Vilariño, from the R&D&I area at Hijos de Rivera, and made up of María Paredes, R&D technician at the corporation and PhD in computational chemistry; Mariamo Mussa, PhD in physics and researcher in quantum computation; Andrés Gómez, PhD in physics and researcher in quantum computation; and Andrés Gómez, PhD in physics and researcher in quantum computation; Andrés Gómez, PhD in Physics and coordinator of the Applications and Projects Department at CESGA; Alejandro Borrallo and Antón Rodríguez, theoretical physicist and quantum physicist at the International Quantum Center Fujitsu; and Jochem Nelen, biochemist of the High Performance Bioinformatics research group at UCAM.

Hijos de Rivera, a partner of the Cluster Tecnolóxico Empresarial das Ciencias da Vida (Bioga), presented the initial conclusions of this initiative during the second edition of the Galicia Biodays biotechnology forum, held last June in Vigo.

The initiative is part of the innovation strategy of the corporation, which relies on multidisciplinary alliances to open new paths within its sector.

ABOUT CORPORACIÓN HIJOS DE RIVERA

Corporación Hijos de Rivera is a 100% family-owned Spanish company with more than 118 years of history. Present in more than 73 countries, it produces, markets and distributes a broad portfolio of products, including beers, mineral waters, wines and ciders, with such well-known brands as Estrella Galicia, 1906, Cabreiroá, Fontarel, Agua de Cuevas, Ponte de Boga and Maeloc.

The company has experienced outstanding growth in recent years, which has led it to multiply its turnover, which now exceeds 800 million euros, and to employ 1,800 people worldwide. Its differential character, its non-conformist spirit and the reputation of its products and business policies have consolidated the company as a prestigious operator in Spain with an outstanding international projection.

As part of the B Corp movement since 2024, Hijos de Rivera meets high standards of social and environmental impact. Its Positive Impact strategy, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals established by the UN, is based on five pillars: pride of origin and community, responsible allies, resilient planet, transcendent people and essential governance.

For further information: https://corporacionhijosderivera.com/en/

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