Graceland Fruit Increases Processing Capacity
by Donald E. Pszczola
posted on June 8, 2009
During troubled economic times, companies across all business sectors make cutbacks in some or all areas of their operations. However, one fruit and vegetable processor, Graceland Fruit Inc., Booth 2259, is increasing capacity by more than 40% as it brings a new dryer online. This strategic move allows it to produce new lines of infused dried vegetable ingredients and to better meet the growing consumer demand for healthy food products.
With the additional capacity, the Michigan fruit and vegetable processor is expanding production of its infused dried vegetables, which retain a texture and taste similar to fresh through a patented process that results in superior rehydration and cooking performance.
“Unlike traditional air, vacuum, or freeze-dried products, these vegetables have a softer texture, provide a fresh-like color and flavor, and can be diced into smaller pieces for use as food ingredients,” said Nirmal Sinha, the company’s Vice President and Director of Research and Development. “In addition, they are microbiologically safe and shelf stable for more than a year without the use of sulfites or other preservatives.”
According to Sinha, these vegetables have the same rehydration time as more expensive freeze-dried vegetables but better color, texture, and flavor scores. They can be microwaved, sautéed, and prepared in a variety of ways. The product line—which includes broccoli, carrots, celery, sweet corn, green peas, red peppers, and green peppers—is suitable for use in baked goods, such as bagels, specialty artisan breads, and cornbread; pasta dinners; complete and add-to meals; shelf-stable home meal replacements; side dishes; snacks; and trail mixes.
The expansion is also being tapped to double production capacity for popular product lines. The company offers more than 45 fruit and vegetable ingredients. Infused dried fruits include traditional favorites such as cherries, cranberries, apples, and blueberries, along with seasonal and tropical varieties such as strawberries, mangoes, and raspberries. Other product lines include Soft-N-Frozen Fruits™, Fridg-N-Fresh Vegetables®, and Wild Veggie, The Souper Drink™.
“Graceland Fruit is securing ever-increasing supplies of raw fruits and vegetables to meet the needs of food manufacturers,” said the company’s Chief Executive Officer Don Nugent. “With the expanded capacity and grower commitments, Graceland can assure reliable volumes of infused fruit and vegetable ingredients from field to consumer.”
The new dryer is the centerpiece of a four-year expansion project that has added 46,000 sq ft of warehouse and manufacturing space as well as additional infrastructure improvements to the Frankfort, Mich., facility.