New cooking and depositing system for low volume confectionery batches

Baker Perkins has launched an innovative continuous cooking and starch-free depositing system to make low volume batches of products for both standard confectionery and the expanding nutraceutical and functional confectionery markets.

This system is based around the ServoForm™ Mini depositor, and brings the benefits of starch-free production - high quality, accuracy, hygiene, efficiency and versatility - to companies producing confectionery in small batches.

It is ideal for entry-level operations or experimental and development work in larger companies.

ServoForm™ Mini small-batch depositor

The ServoForm™ Mini is a servo-driven depositor with a maximum output of 54 kg/hour, with piece weights ranging from 2g to 16g.

It uses the same process and control technology as the well-established high-output ServoForm™ range of starch-free depositors, and is ideal for companies needing to make a variety of products on one line.

Capabilities include hard candy, lollipops, jellies, gummies, caramels, fudge and fondant.

Because there is no captive mould circuit, change between different products is very simple. Metal moulds for hard candies can be rapidly replaced with a rubber mat for jellies and gummies.

Turbofilm™ compact cooking unit

The Baker Perkins Turbofilm™ is a versatile and compact cooking unit that brings the benefits of very low energy use for jelly cooking.

It also provides a simple, plate-pack heat exchanger-based single-stage process for hard candy.

There is simple changeover between the two product types.

The ServoForm™ Mini and Turbofilm™ cooking units can be combined in a seamless, continuous system. Colour and flavour addition systems for hard and soft confectionery are also available to create attractive, tasty and innovative end products.

Production to validation standards

The hygienic nature of the ServoForm™ Mini makes it ideal for production to validation standards for healthcare products.

The use of starch-free deposited confectionery to carry over-the-counter medications or dietary supplements is increasing as consumers realise that the treatment of minor ailments or augmentation of their diets need not be unpleasant experiences.

Jellies and gummies can be used to deliver a variety of functional ingredients including vitamins, minerals, protein, fibre, Omega-3, probiotics and energy supplements. The healthy positioning may be enhanced with the inclusion of fruit pulp or pieces.

Some medicated products are more suitable to a hard candy delivery system, particularly where slow release of the active ingredient is required. These include antiseptics, menthol and eucalyptus oil to alleviate the symptoms of minor ailments such as coughs, colds, sore throats and nasal congestion.

Baker Perkins’ ServoForm™ Mini depositor