KEY INTERVIEW: Sugar Reduction High on the Agenda for Paradise Fruits

31 Aug 2016 --- For over 130 years, the Jahncke family has successfully owned and operated a large number of businesses within the fruit processing industry. The companies and the family are intrinsically linked to the Altes Land (Old Land) area of Northern Germany which is the largest contiguous apple growing area in Europe.

Paradise Fruits Freeze-Dried, Paradise Fruits Solutions, Paradise Garden and Paradise Fruits Frozen are four European companies specializing in unique fruit and vegetable processing technologies such as IQF, freeze-drying and low moisture fruit ingredients for bakery products, snack bars, breakfast cereals, chocolate and fruit snacking. Popular fruits include strawberries and other berries, apples, citrus and tropical fruits are standard products but tailor-made solutions and custom formulations are our unique areas of expertise.

FoodIngredientsFirst caught up with Sales Director, Richard Horsley (pictured) who has been with Paradise Fruits for over six years, he explains that current trends are heading towards healthier choices. “Our consumers at Paradise Fruits are aware of recipe formulations the types of ingredients used or in the case of refined sugars, the types that are not used,” he says. “Due to the range of products that we have sitting within the Jahncke Group, we are in a very strong position to support our customers in achieving their goals and ultimately providing the consumer with what they want.”

“Sugar reduction is still an important topic in our industry, particularly relating to direct consumption snacking,” Horsley states. “Fruit & Vegetable combinations continue to grow and excite customers, so lots of work is taking place here. Fundamentally, it’s all about delivering great taste and texture and we have the full spectrum of products within our portfolio to provide this.”

Consumer Trends and Business Opportunity 
“The confectionery sector has been an interested area for the Solutions business in recent months as customers look to add a healthy spin to their current confectionery lines. Healthy Indulgence is a phrase that we use a lot, because customers still want to have that treat, but feel less guilty about having it.”

“On the Go fruit snacks is an area that is under constant evaluation,” says Horsley, “And although we provide a wide range of No Added Sugar formulations, the natural fruit sugars still exist. Work and progress in this area continues to provide a solution for our customers within this category.”

Paradise Fruits Solutions provides many of the fruit snacks that you can see on the supermarket shelves today and work has been carried out using natural sources of fiber to help reduce the carbohydrate levels in some of these snacks. “Preliminary trials are showing positive results with reductions of up to 50% carbohydrate levels. This is something that we need to conduct further work on before sharing it with our key customers,” explains Horsley. 

Horsley also points out combinations of flavors are delivering huge growth opportunities for Paradise fruits. “Whether that’s as simple as combinations of Fruit & Vegetables, Soft and Crunchy textures or the addition of Vitamins and Minerals, the Jahncke Group has the resource and expertise to help our customers and flavor combinations have really been an area of interest for our consumers.”

The business has all sites fully accredited whether IFS or FSSC 22000 and continues to support customers supplying to the retail trade. Whilst Field to Fork traceability can prove difficult with ingredients such as Freeze Dried, simply down to the nature of how the fruits are grown, picked and marketed, the family has invested in an IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) factory in Poland, situated in the heart of the fruit growing regions, so they are best placed to ensure good practices are adhered to and know exactly how the fruit is grown and the farmers being well treated.

Having seen the business grow double digit for the past few years, the family owners have an ongoing investment plan for both the Freeze Dried and Solutions businesses. “Acquisitions are always an interesting point, but it can be difficult to find something that will compliment what has been built so far and offer good value for money. All options are being considered at the moment, as the forecast for further growth looks likely to continue,” concludes Horsley. 

by Elizabeth Kenward