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JBT Marel, a provider of technology solutions for the food and beverage sector, has introduced its new Efficient Agitation (EA) Retort, a patented innovation aimed at improving packaging flexibility and sustainability for ready-to-eat and ready-to-drink products. The launch is designed to address the evolving needs of food packagers while enhancing operational efficiency.

The EA Retort is engineered for packagers dealing with delicate or non-traditional containers such as pouches, tubs, cups and glass. This new system employs a unique trapezoidal agitation motion that allows for faster cook times, increased energy efficiency and uniform heating. By optimising the sterilisation process, the EA Retort not only reduces brine usage but also shortens cycle times, ensuring fresher, higher-quality products.

Key features of the EA Retort include:

Linear product agitation: Ensures consistent agitation across all products, leading to uniform quality and processing in every batch.

Customisable agitation profiles: Allows adjustments to agitation settings based on product requirements, accommodating delicate items and varying processing stages.

Reduced cycle time: Significantly decreases cycle times compared to traditional static heating methods, potentially minimising the number of machines needed in production lines.

SuperStatic capability: Enhances efficiency by reducing come-up and cooling times by up to 30% and 34%, respectively, while maintaining effective thermal processing.

Vertical door design: This feature minimises the overall footprint of the machine, facilitating more flexible facility layouts and significant space savings.

Breno Dos Santos, product line manager at JBT Marel, highlighted the company's commitment to evolving food packaging technologies to meet both market demands and environmental considerations. “The EA Retort offers an unparalleled combination of benefits that decrease production time and shipping costs while enhancing sustainability,” he said.

The introduction of the EA Retort aligns with the growing industry focus on clean label and sustainable food products, as manufacturers increasingly seek solutions that enhance product integrity and operational efficiency. JBT Marel's new technology aims to support producers in delivering innovative, high-quality foods to market, responding to consumer demand for nutritious options.