ProFood Tech 2019: new equipment, technology, and ingredients

AZO ProFood Tech — AZO featured its new modular bulk bag unloader, which includes swappable parts that can be acquired fairly quickly via their modular stock program, hosted in Memphis. The equipment features stainless steel product contacting parts with continuous food-grade welding, and non-product contacting parts are food-grade epoxy coated steel.

BluePrint Automation ProFood Tech — Ideal for cartons, cans, cheese (IWS and other), pouches with or without cap and retail ready, BluePrint Automation's Racupack 100 solution automatically erects, loads and closes wrap-around cases, trays, tray-lid combinations and RSC cases. With its hygienic design, the Racupack 100 has a fast and tool-free changeover. Modular in design, the case packer allows you to choose from a variety of standard product handling systems.

CEM ProFood Tech — CEM exhibited the SMART Q, the latest addition to its SMART-series moisture analyzers. It uses Quartz Halogen Infrared energy to directly measure moisture content in samples. It is the fastest infrared moisture analyzer on the market. It compliments CEM’s SMART 6 Microwave + Infrared moisture analyzer which is the fastest direct moisture analyzer on the market.

Donaldson ProFood Tech — SQF auditors check to ensure manufacturers have the proper point-of-use filtration in place to produce clean, safe compressed air. Any air contacting food or food contact surfaces should present no risk to food safety. Using a Donaldson DF filter assembly is one of the most effective ways of reducing food safety risk due to compressed air contaminants.

Douglas Machines ProFood Tech — Douglas Machines showcased its Scale Parts Washer, Model 2554-SPW, at the show. Designed for mezzanine, pit or ramp installations, the 2554-SPW will quickly and efficiently wash, rinse and sanitize scale parts such as weigh hoppers, chutes, buckets and feeder pans. Processes up to 10 batches an hour. Specialized wash racks are available for all scale types and sizes.

National Flavors ProFood Tech — The bright, sweet-sour taste of Michigan Cherries bursts forward when this variegate from Kalamazoo-based National Flavors is added to ice cream or baked goods. Recently featured at ProFood Tech, Michigan Cherry variegate is created using locally sourced cherries harvested from northern Michigan farms. The result? A delicious flavor experience.

Precision Food Ingredients (PFI) ProFood Tech — PFI featured its PūRmotion machine. Horizontal motion conveying has played a very important role in the food manufacturing industry for many years. PūRmotion is the next generation of horizontal motion conveyance that offers a truly hygienic design but yet maintains the gentleness, flexibility and durability that is expected in your operation. The PūRmotion’s open frame design gives you instant accessibility to every component of the conveyor allowing for easy sanitation and inspections. In addition, the servo driven motor Is amazingly quiet and gives the operator complete control and flexibility by having the ability to reverse product flow almost instantaneously without disrupting upstream or downstream operations.

Schubert ProFood Tech — Schubert showcased its state-of-the-art automation packaging technology. A machine frame equipped with a four-axis pick & place robot will assemble 3D printed miniature Schubert machine frames. The machine embodies Schubert’s proven commitment to quality as reflected in high availability, outstanding reliability, secure production and comprehensive service.

VAC-U-MAX ProFood Tech — VAC-U-MAX highlighted its Signature Series vacuum receivers—ideal for vacuum-conveying applications from handfuls to 3500 pounds/hour.

ProFood Tech took place March 26 to 2018, 2019, at McCormick Place West in Chicago. The event was produced by PMMI/PACK EXPO, Koelnmesse/Anuga and the International Dairy Foods Association.

The event showcased technologies and solutions for professionals across the industry, including those working in snack foods and bakery, as well as networking and educational opportunities.

See the slideshow above for each company we visited at the show, as well as their newest equipment, technology, or ingredients.

Liz Parker Kuhn is the senior editor of Candy Industry and Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, and has worked at BNP Media since 2012. She has written for CBS Detroit as well as for her own blogs. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Michigan. Liz can be contacted at (248) 839-7156 or at parkere@bnpmedia.com.

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