Chaucer opens new freeze-dry factory in US

UK-based food ingredients specialist Chaucer has opened its new, purpose-built freeze-dry factory in Portland, Oregon, US.

The new facility will primarily focus on the freeze-drying of fruit and vegetables, from whole fruits and vegetables through to slices, dice and powdered formats.

The products will be packaged into wide variety of carton size configurations, Chaucer stated.

It will also be capable of delivering retail and foodservice pack formats to its various customers including a range of small and large food manufacturers covering the cereal, confectionary, bakery, beverage and snacking industries.

Chaucer CEO Andy Ducker said: "The US freeze-dried market is experiencing rapid growth and our new facility will enable us to maximise our opportunities within this market.

"We work at the very forefront of the freeze-dried and specialist food ingredient global markets and are very excited about our new phase of development."

The new facility that covers an area of 100,000ft is a result of approximately $20m investment. This would offer jobs for 50 people, with the second phase of the facility expected to add around 25 more jobs.

Currently, it has four freeze-dry tunnels and the second phase will see the installation of an additional four tunnels.

In October 2014, Chaucer acquired 65% stake in American freeze-dried fruit and vegetable brand Crunchies Food.