Frucom, a leading UK importer and distributor of premium frozen and ambient ingredients, has announced a significant expansion of its global supply network through a strategic partnership with a newly developed processing facility in Shandong Province, China.
The factory, established by one of Frucom’s long-standing partners with whom the company has maintained a 20-year relationship, is located just 15 kilometers from the supplier’s existing site in Rizhao. Equipped with advanced technology and rigorous quality control systems, the facility is designed to meet the demanding standards of European food manufacturers.
A standout feature of the new plant is its state-of-the-art optical sorter, which uses high-resolution imaging to scan each vegetable piece and automatically remove any defects or foreign material in real time. This technology enhances product purity and reduces contamination risks, setting a new standard for quality in the production of Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) vegetables.
The facility currently operates two production lines, with a third scheduled to come online by the end of 2025. The high-speed line processes diced, sliced, cut, whole peeled, and particulate products with an annual capacity of up to 25,000 metric tonnes, while the purée line produces tablets and whole-strip formats with a capacity of 10,000 metric tonnes per year. The upcoming third line will handle roasting, grilling, and aseptic processing, expanding the plant’s capabilities even further.
The site will produce a wide range of IQF vegetables and herbs, including garlic, ginger, onion, peppers, chillies, carrots, and broccoli, among others.
Frucom’s Technical Manager, Tyronn Kirby, visited the facility earlier this year to conduct a comprehensive technical assessment.
“I was thoroughly impressed with the scale, organisation, and hygiene standards of the facility,” Kirby said. “The processes are robust, the staff well-trained, and the level of detail in traceability and quality control was outstanding. This is a facility built for performance.”
The factory achieved an A grade on its BCR audit in August, reinforcing its adherence to internationally recognized food safety and quality standards.
Find out more at: https://www.frucom.co.uk/