WHAT’S NEW
IKE AIO-600 with drying rack
IKE AIO-2400 dehydrator internal view
Waste not want not Dehydrators manufactured to commercial specifications are now available in a range of sizes to suit processors of artisan foods. When harvest time arrives, we can end up with a surplus of fresh produce, and with limited shelf life this can lead to substantial waste and missed opportunities for revenue. Soft fruit and vegetables can be ideal for the dehydration process to create repackaged new and innovative added-value consumer products. Produce suitable for dehydration processing includes but is not limited to apples, pears, peaches, plums, apricots, bananas, kiwifruit, strawberries, blueberries and other berryfruit, carrots, corn, green beans, potatoes and tomatoes. Auckland company Netropolitan specialises in the importation of a wide range of artisan food equipment including the IKE range of AIO (All in One) dehydrators. Gerald Hochwimmer of Netropolitan says, “We can supply dehydrators to suit the customer’s specific needs,
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The ORCHARDIST : MAY 2022
be this a smaller unit capable of drying 100kg of fresh product, right up to the larger AIO-2400 which has a capacity of up to 2500kg of fresh product, all at very competitive prices based on pre-ordered indents for the larger machines.” Gerald encourages interested growers or processors to reach out and organise a trial to see what can be achieved with your surplus produce. “It is an opportunity to diversify, avoid waste and offer the consumer a solution to incorporate more fruit and vegetables into their diet in a practical way, with products that will store well into the winter months.” For more information on the AIO chamber series of dehydrators contact Gerald on (021) 358 380 or email sales@netropolitan.co.nz
