Confidence grows in solutions for processing plant-based foodstuffs

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The last two years have seen a slowdown in investment by the global food and drink industry, says Antonio Jara, systems sales manager, HRS Heat Exchangers, particularly in terms of products containing added sugar. However, plant-based drinks and alternative proteins have continued to grow as a sector.

Jara says there are a number of reasons that food and drink manufacturers have postponed investment over the last 24 months. Some were waiting for interest rates to fall to make investment finance more attractive and reduce the price of raw materials, while others appear wary of the effects of proposed legislation by western governments to tackle public health issues such as obesity and diabetes, which could see the introduction of taxes on sugar and fat, for example.

“Yet at HRS Heat Exchangers we’ve seen a difference between some of our traditional markets, such as those making juices, sauces and carbonated drinks, where investment has definitely slowed, and the plant-based and health-food sector where despite some market readjustment confidence has been noticeably higher,” he says.

“We are definitely seeing more demand from manufacturers of plant-based drinks, and not just those using traditional ingredients like soy and oat, but others such as coconut or rice. From our perspective, the actual ingredient is less relevant than its properties.

“From a design point of view, the material’s viscosity, thermal conductivity and how it flows are more important. Once we’ve established those parameters we can design an efficient heat exchanger.”

The ultra-heat treatment (UHT) of soy-, nut- and oat-based milk alternatives is fundamentally the same process as for dairy and manufacturers experienced in viscous materials – such as milk or yoghurt – plant-based spreads or nut butters stand to benefit from the continued demand for plant-based products. The use of direct steam also provides an option for plant-based milk alternatives as it helps prevent the formation of caramel-type compounds or unwanted flavours.

Sponsored content: For more information email [email protected], phone +64 9 889 6045 or visit www.hrs-heatexchangers.com.

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