Key Takeaways
- High pressure processing (HPP) advances in automation and machine capacity are enhancing food and beverage production.
- Tolling centers provide flexibility for startups and established brands to maximize HPP technology with minimal upfront investment.
- Emerging product categories using HPP include specialty health products and pet foods, catering to market demand for safety and quality.
Advancements in High Pressure Processing
High pressure processing (HPP) is an essential method for specific food and beverage applications, effectively inactivating bacteria while preserving taste and nutritional integrity. Recent advancements in HPP technology revolve around increased capacity, automation, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for improved operational efficiency. Automation manages schedules, processing accuracy, and predictive maintenance, minimizing unplanned shutdowns.
With a growing variety of applications, HPP is expanding into areas like pet food and specialty health items. The rise in tolling centers aids both startups and established producers in scaling up to meet seasonal demand without significant capital investment.
Equipment and Throughput Enhancements
Quintus Technologies offers HPP presses in various sizes, with the flagship 600-liter model launched recently being the largest and most productive to date. Users can customize their systems by adding high-pressure pumps to enhance productivity without needing entirely new equipment. Similarly, Hiperbaric provides a range of machines designed for both emerging brands and larger-scale operations, engineered to optimize throughput with shorter processing times.
JBT Marel also presents various equipment options, including the AV10(100 liters) and AVX(525 liters), focusing on increasing production outputs and meeting diverse customer needs. A distinctive advantage lies in their systems’ designs, which allow more efficient use of vessel space, further maximizing output.
Advantages of Tolling Centers
Tolling centers represent a strategic entry into the HPP market, facilitating initial production without heavy investments. They cater to both new and established companies, allowing for market adaptability. Many brands initially using tolling services eventually transition to in-house HPP systems as production demands rise and costs decrease.
Automation’s Role in HPP
The integration of robotics and AI in HPP systems is transforming operational efficiencies. Companies like Quintus and Hiperbaric are incorporating automated loading and unloading processes and predictive maintenance tools into their machinery. These enhancements reduce manual labor and improve hygiene standards while maximizing throughput.
Expanding Market Applications
The diversity of products suitable for HPP is increasing, driven by consumer demand for safety and health. New areas gaining traction include raw pet foods and cold-pressed beverages that maintain nutritional properties post-processing. Additionally, innovative product introductions following the pandemic emphasize health benefits, including concentrated fruit juices and healthy meal kits.
Innovative Hybrids: HPTP and PATS
Combining HPP with moderate heat, termed High Pressure Thermal Processing (HPTP), allows for the safe preservation of low-acid foods. This method ensures enhanced microbial inactivation while retaining food quality better than conventional methods.
JBT Marel’s Pressure Assisted Thermal Sterilization (PATS) process has proven successful in improving food safety and retaining flavors, particularly for items that require rigorous microbial reduction.
Specialty Seafood Applications
In the seafood sector, HPP is notably effective for shucking lobsters and oysters, providing a cleaner yield than manual methods. However, regulatory challenges restrict some seafood products from retail sales due to safety concerns.
Despite this, HPP technology enhances processing efficiency and opens up markets for various seafood products when combined with suitable packaging and bacterial management strategies.
Overall, HPP continues to evolve, enabling companies to expand their product lines while adhering to safety and quality standards in an increasingly health-conscious market.
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