"If you take a good look at the volumes when it comes to frozen berries, the bulk are destined for the processing industry. However, the end-costumer also plays a vital role in terms of value sales. These consumers are looking for higher quality IQF berries, so they can add it to their healthy smoothies. And they are ready to pay more for that quality. One can't get around the growing interest in a healthy lifestyle around the globe. To win these consumers over, berry processors will have to put their focus on using the most efficient technologies. It has never been more important than it is today." Svetlana Plotean, marketing manager for OctoFrost explains.
According to Plotean, efficiency starts with pre-cooling of the berries: "The processing of IQF berries starts with washing and dicing the product, if necessary. Next is the pre-chilling and finishing with the IQF freezing stage." In the pre-chilling stage, a lower infeed temperature of the berries into the IQF freezer makes all the difference and translates in premium quality IQF berries. "The Waterbath Chiller was built by OctoFrost with this priority in mind. The core temperature of the product is lowered to below 5°C for an effective IQF freezing, thanks to the ice-cold water in the Waterbath Chiller. A lower infeed temperature also reduces the dehydration to a minimum and results in higher yields. What is left at the end of the line is a high-quality IQF product.
Separating pieces of products during freezing can be a bit tricky if these are sticky, like diced strawberries. "The bedplates in our IQF Freezer move in an asymmetric way which together with the optimal airflow preserve the natural appearance the best possible way while efficiently separating the sticky pieces. " Plotean says.
The adjustable speed of fans in the OctoFrost IQF tunnel is one of the unique features of the line. "This option means that the strength of the airflow can be set stronger at the infeed of the freezer, for quick crust freezing. If the airflow is set at a stronger level in the beginning of the freezing process, moisture is locked inside the berries, which results in minimal loss of hydration and the prevention of any cracks or burns on the surface of the sensitive berries like raspberries and blueberries."
Traders have stated they are willing to pay between 5 to 30 per cent more for premium IQF berries: "Visionary berry processors understand that quality has never been more important as a success factor for their business. Efficient equipment for IQF berry processing is clearly the key to that success." Plotean concludes.
