Amica Chips, Italy
Amica Chips installs four Elea B 1 PEF systems for yield and quality improvement
Company Background
Amica S.p.A. is a potato chip manufacturer based in Castiglione delle Stiviere, Italy. The company was founded in 1990 by Alfredo Moratti and Andrea Romano and has since grown into a leading player in the potato chips market. With more than 250 employees, Amica exports its products to over 20 countries.
Improved slicing and frying at lower temperatures
In early 2020, Elea and Amica began their collaboration with a trial installation on an industrial-scale production line. The tests demonstrated key benefits of PEF technology, including improved slicing precision, better cut consistency, and the potential to reduce heat load during frying.
Enhanced cutting led to reduced breakage and fines, as well as lower starch loss in processing water. Additionally, a shorter frying time and lower temperature resulted in a lighter, higher-quality product. The smoother surface of the slices also led to reduced oil absorption, better seasoning adhesion, and a crunchier texture.
In this video, Mr. Franck Bianchi, Plant Manager of Amica Chips in Italy, talks about his motivation and experience in installing an Elea PEF Advantage Belt system into the Amica chips production line.
We have used this testimonial in our PEFinar on "Fry the perfect chip with PEF" - Thank you very much Franck, we are very happy about our collaboration and your kind feedback!
Full-Scale implementation
Following successful testing in the autumn of 2020, Amica Chips installed its fourth Elea PEF Advantage B 1 system. These units have a processing capacity of up to 6 tonnes of tubers per hour. The installation and commissioning process proved to be quick and straightforward. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Elea and Amica’s engineering and applications teams successfully utilised both remote and on-site tools to complete the project efficiently.
The video shows the Elea PEF Advantage B 1 installations at Amica Chips SPA in Castglioni delle Stiviere.
Reduce costs, increase yield, control colour, improve quality and develop new product opportunities with our Elea PEF Advantage Belt systems.