Less than a year after it acquired FOODesign, food packaging and processing solutions provider tna has made another acquisition.
The company announced that it has purchased Netherlands-based Florigo International B.V., which specializes in the design, manufacture and servicing of processing equipment for the snack and French fry industry, including washing, de-stoning, peeling, slicing, blanching, drying, frying, cooling and freezing equipment. Its patented vacuum frying technology enables manufacturers to cook their products at lower temperatures, preserving the natural colors, textures and flavors while reducing the formation of acrylamide by up to 95 percent.
As tna explained, vacuum frying is also ideal for products that are high in natural sugar, such as sweet potatoes or fruits, opening up opportunities for innovative product ideas to help food manufacturers cater to the growing demand for healthier snacks with a difference.
Florigo also offers technology to reduce acrylamide in more conventional frying, along with more efficient processing and reduced fat content.
By incorporating Florigo's products into its own portfolio of packaging, processing, distribution, seasoning, coating, weighing, metal detection and identification equipment, tna expects to cement its position as a leading provider of start-to-finish single source solutions for the snack industry.
Florigo will retain its brand following the acquisition.
As well as Florigo's patented technology and frying expertise, tna will gain over 3,000 square meters of office and manufacturing space. This includes a Food Innovation Center, where customers can test new technologies in an effort to optimize existing processes or help with new product development.
In May 2014 tna acquired FOODesign, a supplier of food processing solutions such as cooking and baking equipment, fryers, ovens, cooling equipment, seasoning and coating machines, bulk handling conveyors, distribution and storage systems, as well as controls system technology.
