The start-up Vicotto Foods GmbH, based in Innsbruck, combines know-how from the food industry with modern drying technology. "We use an exclusive and innovative drying technology for drying agricultural products, which was developed by one of our shareholder companies. The air that is dehumidified for gentle drying is generated by means of a heat pump. This guarantees a process completely independent of fossil fuels as a heat source, and the dryers can also be operated with photovoltaic power. The additional coupling with environmentally friendly salt water batteries enables 24-hour operation independent of the power grid. The control software developed by Vicotto also guarantees an optimal and energy-efficient drying process. The company, which specialises in the production of dried fruit, was founded in 2021 and specialises in the B2B sector.
Photo: @Stefan Ringle
Innovative drying process
According to Kux, the sensitive drying process preserves both the aroma and the texture of the products. "We dry in a closed system, which means that no cross-contamination occurs and the purity of the products is preserved." By means of a specially developed software, Vicotto uses reproducible drying cycles, with which the desired residual moisture can be set in each case. Dried products in particular, such as apricots, are also highly weather-dependent and affected by contamination, which can be remedied by the Vicotto principle.
"From the field to the consumer, over 40 per cent of the harvests are lost. This is due to poor storage, transport damage, food waste or food that does not meet the standard and is therefore unsaleable, such as crooked carrots. This can be effectively counteracted by drying the food. In the production of all dried products, Vicotto pays attention to the conscientious use of all plant components, so that practically no waste products are created during production," explains Kux.
"We offer drying of a wide range of agricultural products, i.e. fruit, vegetables, herbs and mushrooms. Our drying centre in Tyrol specialises in local products. With this, we also want to support local agriculture more," says Kux. "Through our drying process, we can establish a premium segment that does without additives, any additives, sulphates or preservatives, etc. In addition, the brightness of the fruit remains with our drying, while at the same time we contribute against food waste."
2022 Vicotto Foods GmbH was a finalist at the Tyrolean Innovation Award
Mobile off-the-grid mode of operation
"We dry with dehumidified air at lower temperatures of around 35 degrees Celsius, which allows us to prevent many pro-oxidative effects. Our technology is built into mobile containers that allow us to dry flexibly at different locations and do not require a fixed factory facility in the true sense of the word. The energy supply from the heat pumps and the connected photovoltaic system also guarantees us an off-the-grid operation," says Kux. "Our cost structure is also very efficient, thanks to both the photovoltaic system and our own system of adding a battery that supplies enough electricity for drying during the day and for night operation. So our dryers are designed for a 24-hour cycle."
Lower price level with consistent quality
Although the company focuses on the B2B sector or industry, it can also be found in the private label sector and thus in food retail. "The pandemic has shown how fragile our supply chains are. That is why many suppliers are concentrating more on local goods. Through our technology, we can compete in this and offer prices that retailers want." The closed Vicotto system can also be used to dry special crops. Interested producers can also dry their own produce directly with this process.
Focus on soft fruits
We want to cooperate with producers who offer interesting products in order to gradually expand our product range. Of course, we also want to include seasonal local products, as is currently the case with pome fruit. In the future, we want to devote more attention to the soft fruit sector. Here we hope to get in touch with more producers all over Europe. Berries in particular are a value added product, which until now has been known mainly as a freeze-dried product. However, we can offer the same quality at a much lower price." We are looking forward to interesting contacts with manufacturers, producers and also packing houses.
For more information:
Lara Kux
Vicotto Foods GmbH
Mail: [email protected]
Webseite: https://www.vicotto.com