Nice way to keep fruits and food fresh

 Swiss firm Nice Tech hopes to take its freezing technology to Malaysia and the wider Asian market.

Conventional freezing technology is inadequate to keep food fresh for long, thus narrowing the market for tropical fruits. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

There are many durian lovers around the world, especially in China, but getting the king of fruits to them fresh and tasty is a challenge.

The fruit has to be frozen before it fully ripens, and that diminishes the flavour. Over and above that, current freezing technology requires the fruit to be defrosted and consumed fairly quickly.

It’s all in the ice crystals, according to Fabian Finke, CEO of Swiss food technology firm Nice Tech.

The conventional individual quick freeing (IQF) technology leads to the formation of large ice crystals, which can damage cell structures.

Fabian Finke.

Finke told FMT Nice Tech has introduced an improved freezing method that leads to the formation of smaller ice crystals, helping to reduce damage to cells, so the texture and flavour of the fruit remain intact.

With the new technology, the fruit stays fresh even when it is frozen at a higher level of ripeness.

“Fruits taste better when it is more ripened. Our technology can keep the fruit fresh and tasty, and for longer periods, even when frozen at up to 80% ripeness,” Finke said.

That not only raises demand but also ensures that the fruit can travel longer distances and reach customers further away.

Nice Tech believes the ability of its freezing technology to keep quality intact means that tropical fruits such as papaya, pineapples, and mangoes, apart from durians, can reach a wider market abroad.

The technology is equally feasible to preserve the quality of seafood such as fish and prawns, opening up new frontiers for producers.

Nice Tech, through Strategic Swiss Partners, has engaged the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) to explore potential investment opportunities.

Among others, it is looking at manufacturing its freezing equipment in Malaysia.

Finke sees potential demand from quick-service restaurants, hotel chains, retailers, cruise ships and others that require consistent quality and longer shelf life for food products.

He said the technology can help Malaysian food and fruit producers target higher-value export markets.

The technology offers another benefit.

“Fruits that are too ripe to be shipped fresh can still be frozen before they rot. That ensures quality food can be stored for longer periods, thus helping to reduce food waste,” Finke pointed out.

This, he added, could support efforts to strengthen food security.

“Looking at what is happening globally, countries need to think about how to ensure enough supply for the next 12 months.”

“If fresh fruit, vegetables, meat or fish imports are disrupted, proper freezing storage and warehouses are essential to ensure consistent supplies of quality food to restaurants and retail markets,” he added. - FMT