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Tetra Pak has unveiled its latest innovation, the Ingredient Doser 4000 A3, aimed at addressing the growing demands of the gourmet ice cream market.

This new equipment is designed to significantly reduce start-up waste by 67% while improving production efficiency, thus enabling manufacturers to better meet consumer preferences for unique and premium ice cream flavours.

The gourmet ice cream sector is projected to grow by $13.96 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.32% from 2023 to 2028. This growth indicates a shift in consumer behaviour, with increasing demand for innovative flavours and ingredients.

The Ingredient Doser 4000 A3 allows manufacturers to precisely dose ice cream inclusions, ensuring that each scoop delivers a consistent flavour profile. The device can handle a variety of inclusions, from large cookie pieces to sticky fruits, and is capable of dosing ingredients up to 32mm in diameter.

One of the standout features of the new doser is its ability to reach dosing set points three times faster than earlier models, reducing the time required from 45 seconds to just 15 seconds.

This improvement not only minimises waste but also optimises production processes. Additionally, the motor operates with 11% lower energy consumption than the IE3 regulatory standard, contributing to more sustainable manufacturing practices.

The Ingredient Doser 4000 A3 is 3-A certified, adhering to the highest standards of hygienic food equipment design. This certification is crucial for manufacturers focused on maintaining product quality and safety. Furthermore, the doser's direct drive system allows for flexible capacity adjustments without the need for changeovers, maximising uptime and reducing operational costs.

The integration of digital technology is another key aspect of this new doser. Equipped with sensors and automated algorithms, the device provides real-time production insights, allowing manufacturers to optimise their production lines.

This digitalisation enhances efficiency by minimising downtime and waste while ensuring consistent product quality. The user-friendly design also facilitates easy cleaning and maintenance, making it accessible for operators.

Elsebeth Baungaard Andersen, portfolio manager for ice cream at Tetra Pak, commented: “We are continually innovating to help our customers respond to evolving consumer trends while boosting efficiency and profitability".

She added: "The Ingredient Doser 4000 A3 makes it easy to experiment with unique textures and standout ingredients, giving brands an edge in a market where consumers increasingly crave bold, premium flavours accompanied by exciting, delicious inclusions – and this doser equips our customers to deliver that indulgent experience, bite after bite.”