The global ice cream market is valued at USD 79.0 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% to 2030. Your ice cream plant must be ready to capitalise on the growth of this traditional Italian heritage and famous dessert.
From the use of process automation to the embrace of emerging trends such as the growing demand for plant-based options, we reveal the strategies that are putting large scale ice cream factories at the forefront of the gelato industry.
Implementing process automation in ice cream plants
The integration of process automation in large-scale ice cream production plants is a cornerstone of operational excellence. Automation plays a key role in optimising production processes and ensuring a high degree of consistency in every batch of ice cream delivered from these plants.
At the heart of automation is the search for precision. From the preparation of the ice cream mix to the final stages of extrusion and packaging, automation systems meticulously monitor each step, ensuring that ingredients are accurately prepared, dosing systems are finely tuned and every aspect of the production line operates with clockwork precision.
Automation also brings a level of repeatability that is essential in large-scale production. Automation systems ensure that the quality of the ice cream remains consistent from batch to batch, meeting the high standards expected by consumers, by following pre-defined parameters and workflows.
As well as ensuring product quality, automation also makes a significant contribution to efficiency and cost effectiveness. By minimising human errors and optimising resource utilisation, ice cream plants can achieve higher output rates while keeping operating costs in check.
Capitalising on market trends: the rise of plant-based ice cream
The exponential growth of the plant-based ice cream market, with an expected CAGR of around 10% from 2023 to 2033, underlines a significant shift in consumer preferences towards sustainable and ethical consumption practices.
This trend reflects a wider social movement towards healthier lifestyles and environmental awareness. As consumers become more discerning about the products they consume, plant-based ice cream offers a guilt-free indulgence that aligns with their values and dietary choices. In response to this growing demand, companies are not only expanding their offerings to include plant-based alternatives, but also investing in innovative ingredients and production techniques to ensure the same level of taste and texture as traditional ice cream.
This strategic shift towards plant-based options not only positions companies at the forefront of an emerging market segment, but also reinforces their commitment to meeting the evolving needs of today’s conscious consumer.
Fraugroup’s solution for ice cream production
Fraugroup offers a complete range of solutions for the production of ice cream, the preparation, processing and production of ice cream mixes. We supply complete lines including freezers, extrusion, hardening and packaging equipment for different product formats (cups, cones, sticks, sandwiches, etc.).
We use our extensive experience to help customers select the most suitable equipment to minimise waste and optimise efficiency with dosing systems to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Our equipment is fully networked and managed from dedicated cabinets equipped with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and touch screen panels for displaying process parameters and configuring operating programmes.
If you would like to find out how our technology can be used in your ice cream plant, please contact us.
