Freezing technology is indispensable in the food industry due to its role in equipment development, assistance to manufacturers, and the crucial importance of after-sales services.
It contributes significantly to food preservation, safety, and economic efficiency, making it an integral part of the modern food production landscape. As technology continues to advance, the food industry will likely see further innovations in freezing, enhancing its capabilities and further solidifying its importance in ensuring a sustainable and resilient food supply.
Freezing technologies enable the production of a wide variety of convenient and innovative food products. From frozen meals and pre-cut vegetables to frozen desserts, consumers have access to a diverse range of convenient options. Innovations such as quick-freezing tunnels, blast freezers, and cryogenic freezing methods have revolutionized the way food is preserved, extending its shelf life while maintaining optimal taste and nutritional value.
The assistance provided by freezing technology to food manufacturers is immense. It enables large-scale production and storage, allowing manufacturers to meet the demands of a growing population. By preserving food through freezing, manufacturers can ensure a stable supply of products regardless of seasonal variations.
Starfrost Introduces Cost Comparison Service
Starfrost, specialists in cooling equipment and solutions, now offer an energy comparison service to assist frozen and chilled food manufacturers in managing the ongoing rise in gas costs. This tool helps food processors assess the shift from expensive cryogenic to more affordable mechanical freezing, typically yielding a one-to-two-year return on investment.
As energy costs continue to soar, it is crucial for food manufacturers to make informed decisions about their freezing methods. Starfrost is offering a comprehensive analysis of operating costs associated with mechanical and cryogenic freezing technologies, allowing processors to evaluate the financial implications of each option, available to newcomers entering the industry as well as established food processors contemplating an upgrade from their current cryogenic freezers.
“Our energy comparison service equips businesses with the essential insights needed to optimize their freezing and chilling processes and sheds light on real costs and payback returns. As a comparative example, the operating costs per kilo of finished product for mechanical freezing are notably 85-90% lower than those incurred with nitrogen cryogenics, an astonishing reduction,” said Samuel Welch, UK sales manager at Starfrost.
“Our mechanical freezing equipment doesn’t just deliver high-performance and high efficiency but also guarantees the highest quality results in the end product. We aim to share our expertise and emphasize a profitable freezing solution without compromising the food product’s quality or sacrificing system flexibility.”
Starfrost’s experts are able accurately compare the costs of mechanical and cryogenic freezing processes, considering factors such as gas prices, long-term agreements, and market volatility. By leveraging this data, processors can gain valuable insights into the potential savings and return on investment associated with the different freezing technologies. To showcase the effectiveness of this service, Starfrost recently collaborated with a prominent UK seafood processor.
By investing in a mechanical spiral freezer and utilizing the energy comparison service, the food manufacturer achieved substantial annual cost savings of GBP624,071 (based on 50 weeks of production, processing 1000kg per hour of seafood products). The return on investment for this customer will be achieved in just over one year when compared to the operating costs of their previously used cryogenic freezer.
To read the entire article, please access your complimentary e-copy of Frozen Food Europe January-February, 2024 issue here.