APV Baker help manufacture fabricated chips.

APV Baker have developed a complete process solution for the manufacture of fabricated chips. The solution covers all stages of the process, from raw ingredients feed and mixing, through to flavouring of the finished product.

The potato-based snack is experiencing rapid growth, both in new snack food industries and in developing countries. An adv-antage of fabricated chips is that they are based on processed granules or flakes, which can be used in areas where potatoes are not grown commercially, or where climate can create problems in handling raw ingredients.

By utilising a complete pilot line installed at their Food Process Centre at Peterborough, APV Baker have undertaken an extensive development prog-ramme to address key process issues.

APV's technicians can work in collaboration with their customers to develop process and product formulations to suit the customers' specific needs. In collaboration with a leading mixer manufacturer, APV have developed a Continuous mixer specifically suited to the unique demands of the fabricated chip process. The mixer is able to combine on a continuous basis, pre-blended dry ingredients, rework product and water to form the dough.

A technology already proven in snack food production is used for the key operation of accurately sheeting the dough to the required thickness. Finished product pieces are accurately cut from the dough sheet using a 4-roll rotary cutter before passing to the frying or baking process.