Client Profile:
The client is a business unit specializing in fresh mangoes within Mayalatex, a major producer of balloons. They have been exporting fresh mangoes to Europe for many years. However, due to rising freight costs and competition from Brazil, they decided to start dehydrating mangoes. In 2023, they purchased a dryer from China and began processing. They aim to sell dried mangoes and other tropical fruits in local supermarkets and potentially export them to Europe and the US as semi-finished products, tapping into the steadily growing market for dried tropical fruits.
Tasks:
- Sudy and optimize the different drying cures from several varieties
- Evaluate of the pre-treatment before drying
- Process standarization and practical instructions
- Evaluations of packaging materials and storage conditions in order to reach the required shelf life
- Accelerated study of shelf life according to market requirement in terms of microbiological, sensory, and color parameters
Results:
The optimum temperature-time combinations were found for good quality product in terms of flavour, taste, texture, color and shelf life.
Pre-treament with citric acid to inactivate enzymes against browning was implemented.
Technical modifications were made to the dryer machine to increase capacity and quality.
Knowledge and experience transfer about packaging storage, hygiene etc.
