Page 50 - FoodFocusThailand No.195 June 2022

SMART PRODUCTION

The global leader in vacuum microwave dehydration
technology and machinery is partnering with the world’s
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leading provider of pulsed electric field systems for the
food and beverage to exhibit the synergizing of pulsed
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electric field (PEF) and radiant energy vacuum dehydration
(REV) for increasing the efficiency of the drying process
in term of faster, higher quality, low energy and ensuring
superior shelf-stable dried foods. PEF works by gently
puncturing the cell membrane of the organic material,
whatever the size of a cell, leading to enhanced product
and process benefits. This PEF changes the physical
structure of fresh produce resulting in significant
increases in freshness, flavor, and nutritional preservation
– plus savings in time and energy. In addition, using PEF
facilitates faster, easier water removal and softens the
raw material being processed. Using PEF for dried
products includes greater yield, less product waste, and
improved economics. Taste, smell, and color in food
products are all also enhanced through the use of PEF.
This process accelerates drying times and can allow for
the processing of higher capacities. Machine developer
company believes that using PEF as a pre-treatment to
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radiant energy vacuum dehydration will allow innovative
products of the highest quality and taste while improving
processing economics.
Therefore, the manufacturer has placed a radiant
energy vacuum dehydration machine with 10 kW, 2450
MHz, and 12-300 Torr at a state-of-the-art pilot plant PEF
facility in Germany to showcase the material benefits of
the combination of the two technologies for the production
of dried fruit, vegetable, meat, seafood, dairy and
confectionery products to drive new business development
and increase the possibility of using the dryer with more
products.
In March 2022, the manufacturer sold a 10 kW
radiant energy vacuum machine to a healthy food
manufacturer to double production capacity for
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ready-to-eat meals due to the growth in sales of healthy
ready-to-eat meals that it is a selected one product for
retail in Canada and the US. The healthy food manufacture
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Recent Developments uses proprietary drying technology to produce a variety
In July 2021, Riviana Foods Inc., a business unit of Madrid, Spain-based Ebro of ready-to-eat meals for the avid adventurer. Moreover,
Foods, launched Success Garden & Grains Blends, the first boil-in-bag product they promote a healthy, organic lifestyle with their meals
to combine rice with simple ingredients. Success Garden & Grains Blends are targeting backpackers, hikers or climbers, and anyone
available in two varieties: White rice, black beans, corn, and bell peppers, and on the go or venturing on overnight excursions. The
white rice, peas, carrot, and red bell peppers. meals are optimized with the correct ratios of healthy
In August 2021, Nestlé-owned brand Freshly launched its first fully vegan meal fats, lean protein, and complex carbs. This technology
line. Under its new Purely Plant menu, the chef-prepared meal delivery service has been patented as it allows for the rapid removal of
will offer six options developed to showcase the nutritional benefits and delicious water from the highly nutritious recipes, leaving more
possibilities of plant-based foods. nutrients, flavor, and a better texture in the product
In November 2020, the producers of seeds and nuts, Whitworths introduced when it is rehydrated before consumption. Ready-to-eat
plant-based ready meals that are suitable options for vegan consumers. Each meals continue to gain in popularity due to changing
250g pack of the product contains 20g of plant protein from pulses and grains on-the-go lifestyles. For this reason, the use of vacuum
such as pinto beans, quinoa, lentils, and wheatberries. microwave drying technology thus allows consistent and
superior freeze-drying or air drying.
Source: Mordor Intelligence
https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/ready-to-eat-food-market

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