In partnership with Leeward Community College and the State of Hawai'i,
Farmers and Entrepreneurs Gain Access to HPP Technology for
Naturally Fresh, Extended Shelf-Life Products
MIAMI, May 21, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Hiperbaric, the global leader and manufacturer of
high pressure processing (HPP) equipment, has partnered with
Leeward Community College and the State
of Hawai'i to provide the first state-of-the-art HPP system in the
State of Hawai'i for the new Wahiawā Value-Added Product
Development Center (WVAPDC).
The 33,000-square-foot facility, located in Central O'ahu, is
designed to empower Hawai'i's entrepreneurs, students, and farmers
alike. With a mission deeply rooted in fostering growth and
opportunity in Hawaii's
agricultural industry, it serves as a catalyst for economic
advancement and food innovation statewide.
The centerpiece of the new center is a Hiperbaric 55L HPP
machine, which has a 55-liter (14.5 gallons) vessel and a 200mm
(7.9 inches) diameter. With a throughput of around 600 lbs. per
hour, it is the ideal unit for SMEs, food companies serving niche
markets, seasonal production, or R&D centers. Its robust and
compact design, with one single integrated intensifier, makes it
easy and quick to install in almost any facility.
The machine gives access to High Pressure Processing (HPP)
technology, which is a non-thermal (5ºC – 20ºC) food and beverage
preservation method that guarantees food safety and achieves an
increased shelf life while maintaining the organoleptic and
nutritional attributes of fresh products.
"We are thrilled to partner with Leeward
Community College and the State of Hawai'i to bring HPP
technology to the new center," said Hiperbaric USA Executive Director Roberto Peregrina. "This is the first piece of
HPP equipment in Hawai'i, which will provide a natural processing
method for local farmers and entrepreneurs to add value to their
agricultural products and bring more locally made foods to market
across the islands and beyond."
"The HPP system is a game-changer for our facility and the local
food ecosystem," said Chris Bailey,
Manager at WVAPDC. "It opens up so many new possibilities to create
innovative value-added products with longer shelf lives in a way
that preserves nutrition and flavor."
In addition to HPP equipment capabilities, the WVAPDC offers
product development consultation, lab testing, production kitchens,
and educational programming through Leeward
CC's ʻĀina to Mākeke program. The goal is to empower local
entrepreneurship, increase opportunities for farmers and growers,
and advance Hawai'i's foods globally.
"Here, our focus is on education. Priming mindsets and investing
in our students with entrepreneurial vision, skills and providing
resources our entrepreneurs lack, like equipment and subject matter
experts to get their products noticed and on shelves," Leeward Community College Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza said.
"High pressure processing is an important component to realize
the State's goals of food resilience and regional economic
diversification. We are excited to activate the State's first high
pressure processing machine at the Wahiawā Value-Added Product
Development Center (WVAPDC), a food innovation facility that
provides product development consultation services, lab testing and
production kitchens," added Senator Donovan
M. Dela Cruz, who represents a district in Central Oahu with rich agricultural
history.
"By extending the shelf life of food and value-added products,
our local entrepreneurs can share their creations with customers
from across the globe. The State is also planning the development
of commercial manufacturing facilities to compliment educational
facilities like WVAPDC to provide opportunities for businesses to
scale up. These efforts reaffirm the State's commitment to our
farmers and entrepreneurs."
On April 12th, more
than 300 people gathered for a blessing ceremony to celebrate the
opening of the Wahiawā Value Added Product Development Center
(WVAPDC).
The WVAPDC will also be hosting a free 90-minute online seminar
on Thursday, May 23rd at
10am HST. The session will introduce
the significance of HPP as an innovation of food commercialization,
producing food and beverage products that are food-safe and have
longer shelf life.
The seminar is open to members of the Hawai'i community
interested in learning how to develop value-added products at
WVAPDC. Current users of the facility are also encouraged to
attend. The session will be recorded and available for viewing at a
later time.
To register, visit Intro to High Pressure Processing, hosted by
WVAPDC.
About Hiperbaric
Hiperbaric is the global leader in high pressure technology,
designing, manufacturing, and marketing its high pressure
processing equipment internationally. The company is recognized for
its reliability, customer support, teamwork and continuous effort
in R&D.
Hiperbaric has installed more than 400 machines in more than 50
countries across five continents. Hundreds of companies worldwide
use Hiperbaric HPP equipment to process juices and beverages, meat,
fish and seafood, fruits and vegetables, dairy and ready-to-eat
meals.
Hiperbaric is headquartered in Burgos, Spain, with a U.S. office in Miami, FL, and commercial and technical
offices in Mexico, Asia, and Oceania. For more information,
visit: www.hiperbaric.com
About Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center
(WVAPDC)
The Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC) is a
33,000 square foot food manufacturing facility located in the town
of Wahiawā in Central O'ahu. Our center is a resource for food
entrepreneurship and education. We offer product development
consultation services, lab testing and production kitchens.
We serve Hawai'i's producers, processors, entrepreneurs,
farmers, and students. We are committed to taking value-added food
and beverage products to market and advancing Hawai'i foods across
the globe.
For further information, please contact:
Anthony Zapata
Hiperbaric HPP – Business Development Manager
a.zapata@hiperbaric.com
Mobile (USA): +1 305 746 0209
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SOURCE Hiperbaric