A PROPOSED high pressure processing facility could see a huge reduction in fruit waste and increase profitability for orchardists in Western Australia's South West.
The high pressure process is used to make fruit juice, pulp and puree, but the facilities could also be used to process and preserve dairy and meat products.
The Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA), working with the Shire of Manjimup, is looking into the viability of establishing the state's first high pressure processing facility in Manjimup.
Speaking on local radio last week, DAFWA Future Foods project manager Kim Antonio said this type of facility differed from conventional fruit processing because it used a heat-free process to press the fruit, which in turn created a more natural product.
"The use of pressure rather than heat allows the food to be preserved without affecting the structure or sensory elements of the food," he said. "And that results in a much greater shelf life."
Mr Antonio said fruit growers in the South West region found it difficult to find markets for their second-grade products, which generally referred to fruit that was edible, but may have small bruises and blemishes or be imperfect in shape. He pointed out that the high-pressure processing facility would allow second-grade products to be sold and consumed, rather than wasted.
He said the machine will be located in Manjimup and be used to make fruit juice and a processed avocado product, which would be suitable for both local and export markets.
"That's going to be advantageous to not only businesses in the region, but also in terms of addressing that global issue of food waste at a local level," Mr Antonio said.
Harvey Gibblett from Newton Brothers Orchard supplies fruit to major chains and commented that these days it was all about visual quality.
“Lots of produce is perfectly edible but if there is a slight imperfection like a blemish, then it is deemed unsuitable for the market,” he said. “This machine means there is a fantastic opportunity for us to reduce the huge amount of nutritious and fresh produce that goes to the tip.”
Mr Gibblett said he was passionate about growing food crops and predicted that the South West region would soon be the highest producing fruit and vegetable area in the State.
