SVZ International is undertaking a three-year investment programme at its site in Almonte, Spain, to expand its output of processed fruit and vegetable ingredients.
Beginning with the commission of a new puree concentrate line, the company has now completed the installation of additional freezing capacity in time for the summer 2018 strawberry season.
Strawberries constitute a large percentage of SVZ’s red fruit portfolio and are sourced from a network of growers in the Huelva region of Spain.
The fruits are processed quickly at source into purees and puree concentrates, which are then supplied to customers around Europe.
SVZ said the plan to increase capacity at Almonte from 12,500 to 20,000 tonnes annually is in response to “burgeoning demand from the food and drink industry”.
The development will also support the company as it expands Almonte’s product range to include raspberries and blackberries as well as vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers and courgettes.
The investment is fundamental to the company’s ambitious growth plans for the coming years, according to Anouk ter Laak, SVZ CEO.
“Demand for natural and sustainable fruit and vegetable ingredients is growing exponentially throughout Europe and we constantly invest in our capacity, expertise and growers to ensure we remain at the forefront of the industry,” she said.
“We have been processing in Almonte for over thirty years, meaning we have an enviable supply chain and superb knowledge of the region, and its unique characteristics, which we can leverage to serve our customers even better in the future. Our facilities are obviously vital in maximising the freshness, nutritional quality and taste of our ingredients as well as our ability to deliver quickly to customers throughout Europe and beyond.”
SVZ commercial director Johan Cerstiaens added: “The Almonte investment plan is improving many aspects of our operations and already providing benefits for our customers and our employees. As we move into the last stage of the programme, investment will be built around the specific needs of those customers, so our business is even better aligned to theirs.”
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