Fourayes invests £1.3M as demand for jam spreads

Fruit processor Fourayes is investing £1.3M in the latest food production technology to meet a 70% rise in demand for its jams and aseptic purées over the past six months.

The firm says demand has been created by increased consumption of biscuits, pies, scones, doughnuts and desserts.

New peeling machines are fully computerised and calibrated to improve accuracy, which has brought a 2% increase in the level of apple being used in products.

These machines are integrated with 100m of recycling water flumes, which transport apples through the factory. This process reduces bruising, saves on machine cleaning time and cuts cost.

Fourayes md, Phil Acock, says: "We have a five-year expansion plan that includes this significant investment in new technology. We are delighted that, even in times of recession, the demand for 'affordable treats' has increased, and the evidence is that we are making products that everyone wants".

Fourayes processes between 12,000 and 13,000t of apples a year. This is set to rise by 20% over the next 12 months.

Contact: Fourayes