The processed strawberry sector, particularly when it comes to frozen and freeze-dried strawberries, is experiencing exponential growth driven by a number of factors, including new consumer and commercial trends that make them an increasingly popular product among consumers and the H&R sector.
Angelo Sicignano
Here's why processed strawberries are so popular
"First of all, we must mention their convenience," says Angelo Sicignano, sales manager at PND. "They are ready to use any time of the year and are ideal for a wide range of preparations, from yogurt to desserts and snacks. In addition, their long shelf life reduces food waste and ensures constant availability without affecting quality. Thanks to modern freezing and freeze-drying processes, strawberries keep their nutritional properties intact. Finally, they are versatile because they are suitable for various preparations, both sweet and savoury, and are an excellent alternative for those with special dietary needs, both at home and in the H&R sector."
Strawberries
"Among the countries that are investing more in the industrialization of these processes, we must include Turkey, which is increasingly playing a leading role in this market segment. It has established itself as one of the world's leading players, and there are several reasons for this. A decisive factor is the Turkish climate, which favors the cultivation of high-quality strawberries, but there is also its tendency to invest in technology when it comes to the agri-food sector. In this respect, the implementation of state-of-the-art machinery makes it possible to optimize production processes and guarantee a diversified, as well as a homogeneous and high-quality end product.
PND plant in Turkey
This is where PND comes in, with its strawberry processing machinery featuring the DF12 and DF24 models, which respectively allow outputs of 230 and 460 fruits per minute.
"The DF12 and DF24 strawberry destalking machine was designed specifically for this fruit and studied to reduce manual work, without renouncing delicate processing. The device removes the green part of strawberries and, on request, it cuts them in half or in fours, guaranteeing excellent yields in a short time and without mechanical damage. The two models have many similarities and differ in terms of production capacity and use of manpower."
PND sales team
"Processing takes place in three stages: product alignment, destalking, and fruit ejection, which can coincide with the cutting stage. The produce can be processed dry, without wasting water, and with minimal waste of around 10%. A very important advantage that comes from the type of cut: stalks are removed by a system of rotating blades that do the turning. This is in contrast to other machines on the market that cut the entire top off regardless of the yield and, above all, with a 30% waste."
Turkey's competitive factor
"A combination of cheap labor, a favorable currency exchange rate, and fertile soils contribute to this modernization process in Turkey. All this makes Turkish agro-industrial production particularly competitive in the international market. In fact, Turkey exports its strawberries all over the world, consolidating its position as a major market player. Our market research shows that Turkey continues to grow as a producer and exporter of frozen and freeze-dried strawberries. Investment in research and development, the adoption of sustainable practices, and supply diversification are some of the factors that will help consolidate Turkey's position on the global market."
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"In recent years, we have received numerous requests from Turkey, and the installation of state-of-the-art plants will soon allow us to increase production and guarantee a constant quality of the final product. Two very large plants have been confirmed over the past twelve months and we are in the final stages of finalizing what will be the largest plant in the country. Thanks to PND's continuous research and development, we are confident that our systems will increasingly represent the best choice for all the major players in the world of strawberry processing."
PND will attend Fruit Logistica 2025 from 5 to 7 February, hall 1.1 stand C-41.
For more information:
Angelo Sicignano
PND - Fruit Processing Machinery 
Via Brancaccio, 11
84018 Scafati (SA) - Italy
+39 0818509368
info@pndsrl.it
www.pndsrl.it