Lancashire-based prepared salads supplier Salads to Go has completed the final commissioning of a revolutionary high-speed production line for baby leaf salads and leafy salad mixes.
The line, developed in the Netherlands by Food Technology Noord-Oost Nederland (FTNON), is the first of its kind in the UK and will be shipped to Salads to Go’s brand new £4 million facility this month.
The stir-processing technology incorporated into the system uses vacuum and high frequency infra-red processes, which are less damaging to leaves than traditional drying methods. A series of infra-red elements evaporate the water molecules while leaving the leaf intact.
The system helps to improve the shelf life and overall appearance of salads, according to the company.
“We are delighted to be first to market with this technology. This line will be the cornerstone of our new facility, the most modern in the UK, and gives us the capacity to more than double our existing turnover,” said Julie Bolton, who owns the company with Steven Rogers, “Our existing clients, including The Co-operative Group, Nando’s and the Spirit Group, will benefit from this investment.
“As we are based in a principal salad-growing area, our strategy will be to continue to develop our relationships with growers in the region, thereby minimising food miles and along with our new process, ensuring absolute field to fork traceability and freshness. Continuing investment and a commitment to NPD are the key drivers to our business,” she added.
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