"Increased consumer demand proves that fresh is best" says Parripak Foods
 

One important growth trend in chilled ready meals in the last 12 months has been the development of meals without the use of preservatives, additives or colourings. This trend has put fresh prepared vegetables in the spotlight as packaging has been developed to give the consumer more product visibility and the vivid colours and contrast offered by fresh vegetables has made them a key feature in satisfying consumer demand for these freshly produced healthy convenience foods. With this in mind, root crop specialist and grower, Parripak Foods Ltd, has been making major investment within the production area of their factory in Bedfordshire.

Four main areas have benefited from this latest investment

• Potatoes are Parripak's second highest volume products. The new root crop peeling area, including a technologically advanced potato line, gives greater flexibility to produce tighter graded product and helps to improve yields and throughputs
• Additional production space, particularly within the special products area, which has been timely to meeting the demand for new products, different cuts and more exacting specifications
• A new loading dispatch fridge has led to improvements in the handling and dispatch of finished goods, which has made a tremendous difference to the overall volume of product that can be put through the plant
• A new waste management system, using a vacuum system to remove the waste, completes the four areas of investment. Unlike the previous conveyor system, which typically had a high maintenance requirement, the new system transports wastes in a vacuum, which avoids any wearing parts being affected by the nature of the waste

Part of the funding for the expansion was provided by a Processing and Marketing Grant from DEFRA's Rural development Service. Parripak says that the new facility means that they will be able to employ a further 15 members of staff to service the new market opportunities.

Parripak's joint managing director, James Parrish explained the many benefits of the new facility. "Freshness and product shelf-life is now a major factor in the preparation of convenience meals and the importance of volume flows through the supply chain is becoming increasingly significant." He added. "This latest expansion helps us to improve our quality and service to customers as well as being able to expand and offer innovation in the range of products offered.

Parripak says that the project was completed on time having been over seen by its Engineering team, who undertook the project management and implementation of the project.

Paying tribute to the support of the RDS, Parrish said. "We have worked very hard to achieve this project and the advice and support of the RDS has been invaluable throughout the whole process."