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.

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.