GEA introduces raspberry freezing technique

Claims that new IQF freezing tunnel reduces operation costs

Saying that raspberry processors have long faced challenges in maintaining the delicate attributes of the berry during the preservation process, GEA Refrigeration Canada, formerly GEA Aerofreeze Systems, has announced introducing a new A series (Aerofreeze) IQF tunnel for freezing raspberries without the need for liquid nitrogen or cryogenic pre-crusting.

According to GEA, Enfield Farms, located in Lynden, Washington State, USA, was the first customer to utilise the new tunnel design.

GEA claimed that the tunnel delivers superior product quality with significantly reduced operation costs to fruit processors.

“There is no other freezer currently available that can handle this type of product and deliver the required product quality,” said Robert Laflamme, president, GEA Refrigeration Canada. “We’ve been working over the past several years to develop a freezer that meets the unique needs of this market.”

Andy Enfield of Enfield Farms added: “We take pride in using the most progressive farming techniques and latest technology in processing to produce exceptional fruit. This new freezer is giving us greater control and a huge cost savings from our previous method of liquid nitrogen. This freezer has reduced our costs tremendously.”