V.TEC.2402 - Review of value propositions for a hyperspectral image analysis solution in red meat supply chains
Did you know hyperspectral imaging could boost efficiency, accuracy, and value across the red meat industry?
| Project start date: | 08 October 2026 |
| Project end date: | 15 August 2026 |
| Publication date: | 03 August 2026 |
| Project status: | In progress |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Lamb, All species |
| Relevant regions: | National, NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, International |
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Summary
The purpose of the project was to evaluate the value propositions for a hyperspectral image analysis solution in red meat processing applications. This desktop exercise involved collecting and collating insights and benefits on potential applications of hyperspectral imaging in red meat industry from existing P&P Optica (PPO) system commercial installs and in-kind red meat processing partners. Insights were proposed to be gathered through a series of interviews of current commercial users of PPO imaging solution in various manufacturing applications in USA, Canada and Europe, and from site visits of in-kind beef and/or lamb processing partners.
Objectives
The overall objective of the project is to evaluate the value propositions for a hyperspectral image analysis solution in red meat processing applications.
Key findings
The project’s discovery phase highlighted strong opportunities for technologies to support meat inspectors, improve disease detection, and add value to existing inspection processes, with stakeholders emphasising the importance of extracting more value from current systems before adopting new solutions. A review of Australian inspection standards confirmed that while technologies cannot replace inspectors, they can augment inspection activities if designed and integrated to meet regulatory requirements. Competitor analysis showed that while many international technologies focus on foreign matter detection, PPO’s hyperspectral system is uniquely positioned for animal health and offal assessment, though commercial adoption of new technologies is often limited by practical constraints, unclear ROI, and integration challenges.
Benefits to industry
Stakeholders highlighted strong opportunities for new technical solutions to support meat inspectors by improving efficiency, accuracy and the ability to detect disease and subsurface defects. The project identified industry‑wide benefits, including more valuable and granular inspection data, better utilisation of on‑site veterinarians’ expertise, and improved feedback to producers to enhance on‑farm practices and product quality. Overall, stakeholders saw significant value in more objective, consistent animal‑health information to strengthen payment systems, disease surveillance and data-driven decision‑making across the supply chain.
MLA action
MLA will use these findings to continue to inform future research and investment decisions.
Future research
The desktop review identified a significant number of opportunities, potential projects and areas for further investigation.
More information
| Project manager: | Dean Gutzke |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
