What are the key factors to consider when selecting a cheese production equipment to ensure dairy companies have a successful product in the marketplace?
The same type of cheese can be surprisingly different depending on the geographical region in which it is consumed. Tastes and consumer expectations vary according to the specific market context. When it comes to cream cheese, for example, some regions prefer a slightly tangy flavour and a pale yellow colour, while others demand a sweeter taste and an immaculate white colour.
The ability to understand and meet these different consumer preferences is becoming a core success factor for the dairy industry.
The key ingredient for successful dairy production: a plant that aligns with the recipe
In the dairy industry, the contribution of technologists plays a fundamental role in defining the ideal recipe and, consequently, in designing a plant capable of replicating it on a large scale. Thanks to their expertise, technologists can translate consumer needs into targeted and successful products, whatever the target market.
For us at Fraugroup, working with experienced technologists has become essential when designing any type of cheese production plant. A clear example of the effectiveness of this type of service is the Labne production plant for Lactalis in Saudi Arabia.
Working in close synergy with the Lactalis team, the Calza Clemente technologists helped us to perfect the recipe and translate it into an efficient and innovative production process.
From idea to realisation of the dairy production plant
This success story began when Lactalis Saudi Arabia contacted Fraugroup via LinkedIn. Lactalis, which until then had specialised in processed cheese, expressed a desire to expand its product range with a spreadable cheese typical of the region: labneh.
Based on the block diagram provided by Lactalis and through a series of discussions and calls, the FrauGroup team fully understood the customer’s needs.
“The challenges in realising this spreadable cheese plant were many, – explains Wael Al Gamal, Technical Manager of Lactalis Saudi Arabia – Firstly, we had to achieve the right cheese consistency after maturation to obtain the product we had in mind. And then we needed to ensure a continuity of production that would allow us to increase the production capacity”.
The end result was a fully automated plant with a production capacity of 20,000 kg of finished product per day, capable of peaks of 25/28,000 kg per day. The plant was assembled and commissioned in record time, demonstrating the efficiency and professionalism of the FrauGroup team.
During the two weeks of commissioning and staff training at Lactalis in Saudi Arabia, Fraugroup technologists refined the recipe and selected the best cultures to adapt the cheese to local market preferences. Remote support during the first month ensured a smooth launch of the new product.
“With the exceptional design, installation and commissioning of the plant, – continues Al Gamal – we have fully achieved the objectives we set ourselves”.
The project completed for Lactalis represents a highly valuable success story for Fraugroup, confirming the strategic importance of understanding the specific needs of the customer and investing in the early stages of plant design and recipe development to ensure success.
To find out what we can do for your dairy business, contact us now.
