#United States #Charlotte, North Carolina #SPX FLOW #APV #UHT Testing

Introduction

Recently, APV, a brand under SPX FLOW, has taken a significant step in enhancing food safety and quality for North American producers by introducing new pilot plants. These facilities, strategically located in Southern California and Quebec, Canada, aim to streamline the process of Ultra High Temperature (UHT) testing, making it more accessible for local food and beverage manufacturers.

Expanded Access to Testing

Historically, UHT testing has been predominantly conducted in Europe and the Middle East. This often resulted in logistical challenges for North American companies needing to transport samples overseas for analysis. With the establishment of these new pilot plants, APV offers the food industry in the region hands-on access to state-of-the-art UHT systems. This advancement promises to empower customers to trial, validate, and enhance their products domestically, fostering quicker decision-making processes.

Pranav Shah, Global Market Director for Dairy and Plant-Based Beverages at SPX FLOW, emphasized the importance of this initiative by stating, "Being able to test and refine products without international logistics gives these customers the opportunity to make faster decisions with tighter collaboration using solutions that are truly built around their unique processing needs." This change is expected to lead to a significant transformation in how UHT technology is utilized in product development.

Diverse Capabilities of the New Pilot Plants

The new facilities are equipped to support various heat treatment methods, including direct steam infusion and steam injection, tubular and plate heat exchangers, providing versatility to meet the diverse requirements of food producers. Each pilot plant is tailored to test real formulations and ingredients, enabling:

• - Small-scale Production Trials: Allowing producers to test their products under realistic conditions without committing to full-scale production.
• - Comparison of APV Technologies: With access to multiple thermal treatment options, producers can optimize their processes by weighing the pros and cons of different UHT technologies.
• - Performance Validation: The facilities enable comprehensive assessment of flavor, texture, shelf life, and nutrient retention across different product formulations.
• - Data-Driven Decision Making: By facilitating accurate data collection, APV assists clients in making informed choices ahead of broader product rollout.

Benefits Across Various Product Categories

UHT technology is integral to sectors ranging from dairy and plant-based beverages to sauces and clinical nutrition. This technology plays a crucial role in enhancing shelf stability and ensuring safety while maintaining high product quality. With the newly established pilot plants, manufacturers can now innovate with confidence, having the ability to refine their products in a local setting without the constraints of distant testing facilities.

A Model for Global Expansion

This expansion mirrors the successful installation of SPX FLOW's UHT pilot system in Dubai, which has provided similar benefits to producers across the Middle East and Africa. The localized approach to UHT testing exemplifies SPX FLOW's commitment to improving access to cutting-edge technology for food producers globally.

Conclusion

For North American food and beverage manufacturers looking to enhance product quality while optimizing production processes, the new pilot plants by APV present a monumental opportunity. With access to reliable testing methods close to home, companies can focus on innovation and market responsiveness, and ultimately drive growth and customer satisfaction in a competitive landscape.

For more information or to schedule a pilot test, interested parties can visit SPX FLOW's dedicated webpage.