How do you scale up a food process from lab to industrial production?

Scaling up a food process is done step by step. A process that works in the lab or kitchen does not automatically work at pilot or industrial scale. Larger volumes often behave differently, and factors such as heat transfer, mixing, viscosity, processing time, yield and cleaning become much more important.

At Bodec, we usually start by understanding the lab/kitchen process and the desired product specifications. We then test the process at pilot scale in our pilot plant, adjust the process parameters and evaluate the results. From there, we define the most suitable route towards larger-scale production. This approach helps reduce technical risk and gives customers a clearer picture of product quality, production capacity and cost price before moving to full industrial production.

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Does Bodec work with customers outside Europe?

Yes, Bodec works with customers from both inside and outside Europe. Many food innovation projects are international by nature. Companies from different countries come to Bodec for process development, pilot production and scale-up support.

How do you ensure a developed process is ready for large-scale production?

A process is ready for large-scale production when it is technically stable, repeatable, safe and economically realistic. At Bodec, we test and validate the key process steps before moving to larger volumes. We look at product quality, yield, processing time, equipment suitability, food safety, cleaning requirements and operational risks.

Do you work on both food process development and bioprocess development?

Yes, Bodec works on both food process development and bioprocess development, especially where these areas come together. Many innovative food ingredients are developed using biological or fermentation-related processes, but they still need to be processed, separated, concentrated, stabilized or dried before they can be used commercially.

Can you optimize or redesign an existing production process?

Yes, Bodec can help optimize or redesign existing food production processes. This may be relevant when a process is too expensive, has capacity limitations, gives inconsistent product quality or produces too much waste. We can review the current process, identify bottlenecks and test alternative process conditions or technologies.

Can Bodec develop a production process for a new food or ingredient?

Yes, Bodec supports companies in developing production processes for new food products, food ingredients and innovative raw materials. We help translate a concept, formulation or lab-scale process into a practical and scalable production process. The focus is not on making a product only once, but on developing a process that can be scaled up towards industrial production.

What does process development mean in the food industry?

Process development in the food industry means designing, testing and improving the way a food product or ingredient is made. It is the step between a promising idea or lab recipe and a reliable production process. This can include selecting the right processing steps, defining process conditions, improving yield, reducing waste, ensuring food safety and making sure the product can be produced consistently at a larger scale.

How do you scale up a food process from lab to industrial production?

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