Bühler, the world’s largest provider of nut processing technology, has announced that it has expanded into the natural hazelnut market with the Turkish launch of its innovative combination of sorting technologies. The move reflects a commitment to transform the industry and help increase yield and efficiency, similar to levels already achieved by U.S. almond, pistachio and walnut processors.

The company’s decision to move into natural hazelnut processing stems from the success its SORTEX E and SORTEX F optical sorters with BioVision technology have experienced in the American walnut, almond and pistachio markets. Producers there are reporting increases in yield and efficiency as a result of process optimization, with natural hazelnut processors expected to achieve similar results once the new technology is available to them.  

 Bühler invited hazelnut processors to its launch event on April 28, which was held in the Black Sea port of Ordu, in the heart of Turkey’s hazelnut growing region. Turkey is the world’s largest producer of hazelnuts, currently responsible for 60 – 65 percent of the global market.

 Already recognized as a key player in the processing of roasted and blanched hazelnuts, Bühler is now able to provide a total sorting solution from harvesting to end product for all hazelnut variants.

 As a result, natural hazelnut processors will have significantly more technological options open to them. Hazelnuts historically pose challenges in sorting because of the difficulty in distinguishing between skin and shell while also being able to recognize nut damage and shape distortions.

Natural hazelnut processors are currently reliant on laser and ultrasound technology when sorting their natural material. The Turkish launch of the SORTEX FB range and BioVision technology introduces the natural hazelnut market to four processing technologies, wrapped up in one innovative solution, capable of detecting color defects, shell and foreign material in one process.

 It is estimated that the Bühler solution will increase yield by simultaneously removing more unwanted material while ensuring less loss of good material per pass. Sorting times, and therefore production costs, are decreased by reducing the need for multiple-pass sorting, maximizing profitability from graded product, while reducing waste of good product.

 The four technologies being brought together are BioVision, Enhanced InGaAsHD, ColorVision and PROfile. BioVision technology has been designed specifically to optimize shell removal in the sorting process. After launching in Turkey, Bühler plans to launch its new solution into the global hazelnut market.

“What is exciting about the launch of BioVision is that it is the missing piece of the jigsaw, which now makes our solution complete,” explains Christophe Parrot, head of the coffee, nuts and cocoa segment at Bühler’s Digital Technologies Business Area. “BioVision now combines with our existing sorting technologies, allowing us to confidently enter the natural hazelnut market with a unique combination of solutions in one sorter.

“Nuts are among the most difficult commodities to sort, so sorting technology must be at its most advanced, which is why sophisticated solutions like the SORTEX FB optical sorter with BioVision technology is needed and will have a huge impact in the industry,” he continues.

 “The main advantage of this new technology for the processors sorting natural hazelnuts is that they will be able to achieve a higher accuracy and higher throughput, with less good product lost,” Parrot points out. “Each of the four technologies plays a complementary role in stopping unwanted material getting through while making sure the good material is not rejected.

 “We have already had great success with many of the big processors turning to us and achieving higher yields in the Californian almond, walnut and pistachio sectors, and we will be working on accomplishing a similar success in the hazelnut market, by demonstrating the unique abilities of our solution.”  

As a leading technology group, Bühler invests up to 5 percent of its turnover every year in research and development. In 2017, around 11,000 employees in over 140 countries generated a turnover of CHF 2.7 billion. For more information, visit www.buhlergroup.com  

Parker Products rolls out baked inclusions

Fort Worth, Texas-based Parker Products, a leading provider of specialty ingredients, has launched a line of baked inclusions for the bakery, beverage, confectionery and quick-serve-restaurant segments. The new product line features brownies, cookies, cakes, and more, with rotating varieties.

“We have a long history of collaborating with customers to create specialty ingredients that enhance and differentiate their products,” said Greg Hodder, president. “The baked inclusions will add appealing textures and exciting flavors to our customers’ foods and beverages, and we look forward to working with them to create innovative applications.”

Parker Products’ baked inclusions can add decadent nostalgia to chocolate confections as well as appeal to cupcakes and donuts. Application possibilities are endless, from caramel drizzle and snickerdoodle crumble to fruit-filled cupcakes garnished with sugar cookie pieces.

Parker Products is introducing the new product line following customer requests for the ingredients. In order to further help customers meet consumer needs, all baked inclusions meet Kosher Select guidelines, with some varieties available in all natural, vegan, and non-GMO formats.

The introduction of the baked inclusions line was made possible by the opening of Parker Products’ new production facility, which offers three times the capacity of the company’s previous location and new bakery equipment. For more information, visit ParkerProducts.com.