At this year's Anuga FoodTec, FOODCONS & Co. will introduce a new expansion option for the FS-3600 multiCut, named MultiSystem. A new touchscreen enhances the operation and offers many new settings. Additionally, there are new conveyor belts, including the Tray-Belt with new direct filling and ergonomic working height. Thus, freshly cut vegetables can be directly packaged in trays in one process. This leads to a need for less personnel in processing, which in turn represents a significant cost saving, according to Karsten Schmitz, managing director of the company based in Schwalmtal. Furthermore, the already established Sormac BSM-150 belt cutting machine will also be highlighted.
20 years of expertise in mechanical engineering
FOODCONS & Co was founded in 2004. Since last year, the ASTRA peeling machines for fruits and vegetables have been included in the company's basic range. The main focus is on processing companies in Germany and Austria. Particularly in the catering and communal catering sectors, Schmitz observes a growing demand for convenience vegetables. "During the pandemic, many lost their jobs and a significant part of them has not returned to the catering industry. Due to the subsequent staff shortage, many catering businesses are now increasingly turning to pre-cut vegetables, which in turn has also boosted the demand for corresponding machines. An absolute bestseller in our range is, for example, the PC-55 from Sormac, which can process bell peppers into 30 mm small cubes in no time."
Rising demand in the German retail and foodservice sectors
The demand for ultra-fresh convenience is not only increasing in the foodservice sector but also in the retail sector, Schmitz continues. "However, the main difference is that there are a variety of German providers in the foodservice sector who supply the domestic market, while the retail sector is predominantly served by suppliers from neighboring countries." He also points out that fruit, especially in the fresh-cut sector, with a modest market share of about 10 percent, does not have as significant a status as vegetables.
The FS-3600 MultiSystem was also presented at Fruit Logistica 2024.
"We must not underestimate that frozen fruits and vegetables, compared to countries like the Netherlands, still have a very high status in Germany, which is why fresh convenience inevitably represents a relatively smaller market share. However, I note that pre-processed products are becoming more and more important," Schmitz concludes.
Visit the company at Anuga FoodTec: Hall 10.1 / F-068
Images: FOODCONS GmbH & Co. KG
For more information:
Karsten Schmitz
FOODCONS GmbH & Co. KG
Amerner Str. 53
41366 Schwalmtal
Tel.: +49 2163 5777461
Fax: +49 2163 5780894
[email protected]
www.foodcons.de