There is a growing interest in the processing of pineapples, as they lend themselves not only to fresh consumption, but also to the fresh cut segment.
PND, which specializes in fruit processing machinery, has invested in quality and innovation, providing technological solutions in line with the new consumption habits. FreshPlaza has talked about it with Alessandro Cascone, sector manager and creator of the new APC pineapple processing machine.
Alessandro Cascone
"It took us six months to design the machine, from the first motion study to the first prototype. The APC cutter can currently only cut pineapples into tidbits, a standard format that is very much in demand all over the world."
Pineapple tidbits
Tidbits are small pieces of pineapple that have the shape of a prism. Sides are about 1 - 2 cm, so they are small, uniform pieces, ideal to be eaten directly or used in recipes.
Pineapple tidbits are widely used in cooking, in both sweet and savory dishes. They are perfect for fruit salads, salads, desserts, and even in sweet and sour dishes. In the food industry, they are often found canned in supermarkets, ready to be used. Restaurants and caterers appreciate tidbits for their convenience and versatility, as they can serve as garnish or as the main ingredient in many preparations.
The machine, made of food-grade stainless steel, needs just one operator and can work in a continuous cycle, cutting a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 50 tidbits per minute. As for the production process, "an operator continuously loads peeled and de-cored fruits onto a loading conveyor which transfers them to a slicing system and wedging system. This machine will be an integral part of a pineapple processing line, connected to two PL4D peelers, which PND has already been producing with considerable success for over 10 years."
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"Our new APC machine was designed in response to continued customer demand for pineapple tidbits. The product is in great demand in Costa Rica, where it had been expected for some time. Tidbits can be either frozen or dehydrated, they therefore enjoy a wide range of uses. The machine is fully mechanical and easy to use, and its components are interchangeable, which is excellent for maintenance and sanitation purposes. It is a safe machine, as the dies are protected by casings with opening doors equipped with safety sensors.
Pineapples
Due to its technical characteristics, the machine guarantees excellent resistance to wear and tear. PND has managed to win over both technicians and customers who recognize its machinery as an irreplaceable partner. Through listening to customers, the company is in fact able to give prompt responses to its buyers with ad hoc processing lines.
For more information:
Alessandro Cascone
PND - Fruit Processing Machinery
Via Brancaccio, 11
84018 Scafati (SA) - Italy
+39 0818509368
[email protected]
www.pndsrl.it