"The market for freeze-dried products is currently experiencing significant growth. We are therefore particularly optimistic about the potential for freeze-dried fruit in Germany, especially in the area of healthy snacks and high-quality food ingredients," Alica Lammerskitten, industrial engineer and co-founder of the FRUDIST brand.
For her Master's thesis, Lammerskitten researched new processes for preserving food under the supervision of her current co-founder Dr. Oleksii Parniakov. After successfully developing this process, she came up with the idea of preserving surplus, sun-ripened fruit from regional cultivation using the new drying process in order to prevent food waste and at the same time offer a special experience of enjoyment. "Our idea is based on the principles of sustainability, innovation and quality. The brand Frudist is made up of the words 'Fruit' and 'Nudist' and means something like 'Nothing but the naked fruit'. The brand name thus refers to the natural properties and pure taste of our freeze-dried fruits."
Gentle processing of regional raw materials
The cooperation with Elea Technology and the DIL Deutsches Institut für Lebensmitteltechnik e.V. gives the Osnabrück-based start-up access to a broad network of companies and investors and strengthens its position in the field of food innovation, as all partners are constantly working on new food trends and innovative processes. Lammerskitten: "We only process fruits from regional farmers that are fully ripened in the field. This also manifests itself in the taste. In addition, we can completely preserve the shape, the colour and the natural aroma of the respective fruit in the dried state, and without any additives. At the same time, our process allows us to reduce drying times by 30 per cent and thus act in a more sustainable and cost-saving way. Our innovative strength is not only reflected in product quality, but also in ongoing research and development to advance sustainable technologies."
Large and small containers
There is great interest in the concept on the part of both retailers and producers, the young food expert continues. Currently, freeze-dried strawberries, raspberries, apples and pears are offered under the Frudist brand, and further product innovations are already planned, Lammerskitten confirms. "Initially, we sold our products as ingredients for muesli, tea and ice cream manufacturers in bulk containers. These customers were particularly interested in the higher product volume (by retaining the shape), the more intense fruit flavour, as well as the better colour transfer capabilities. Since March 2023, however, we have also been offering our freeze-dried fruits in small snack packs for the end consumer. These are available throughout Germany via our online shop as well as in stationary retail in the state of Lower Saxony, such as in the Genusshöfe in Osnabrück and various farm shops. The next step would be to get food retailers excited about our product as well."
For a few months now, FRUDIST has been available in the assortment of Markthalle Alfhauser Dorf(er)leben eG, among others. In the picture: Alica Lammerskitten and the market operator.
Producing high-quality products, supporting agriculture and reducing food waste are the three cornerstones of the concept, Lammerskitten emphasises. "Our products not only offer taste, but also a sustainable alternative that is becoming increasingly popular with consumers. Our strategy is to be flexible to the needs of the market while maintaining our quality standards."
Freeze-dried fruits. Clockwise: raspberries, strawberries, pears and apples.
Images: FRUDIST
For more information:
Alica Lammerskitten
FRUDIST (eine Marke der L&P FoodTec GmbH)
Marie-Curie-Str. 3
49076 Osnabrück
T: +49 170 5220905
[email protected]
www.frudist.com