The Rise of High-Pressure Processing

High pressure processing (HPP) technology is witnessing rapid growth in the food and beverage industry. Consumer demand for fresh, minimally processed foods with longer shelf life; the need for safer and healthier food products; and the rise of HPP-processed functional foods are driving the HPP market.

HPP is a modern food preservation method that uses high hydrostatic pressure to extend the shelf life of perishable food products. The process subjects packaged food products to extremely high pressures (up to 600 MPa or 87,000 psi) using water or a water-based solution. HPP has been effective in eliminating a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, yeasts, and molds. HPP extends the shelf life of a variety of products, including fruit juices, deli meats, and seafood.

The global market for HPP foods is expected to expand significantly on increasing consumer demand for convenient, healthy, and minimally processed foods. According to a recent market research report, the global HPP foods market is expected to rise at a CAGR of 8.80% to US$ 5224.6 million during 2023–28.

North America, Europe, and Asia are expected to be the key markets for HPP foods, partly due to the growing number of health-conscious consumers in these regions. Increasing popularity of plant-based and organic products is also driving growth of this market.

The other drivers are:

Food safety: HPP is an effective method for inactivating a wide range of microorganisms in food, making it a useful tool to improve food safety.

Quality: The technology can extend the shelf life of perishable products, such as fruits and vegetables, without compromising their sensory or nutritional qualities.

Sustainability: HPP can help reduce food waste by extending the shelf life of products, which is a key concern in the food industry. Additionally, HPP is a non-thermal preservation method, which means it does not generate the same level of greenhouse gas emissions as thermal processing methods.

Consumer demand: There is increasing demand from consumers for minimally processed and "fresh” products. HPP can help provide this.

Technological advancements: The significant technological advancements in the field of HPP in recent years have made the process more efficient and cost-effective. This has increased its adoption in the food industry.

Type of companies involved in HPP:

1. Equipment manufacturers: These companies design and build the high-pressure processing equipment used in the food industry. Companies in this category include Avure Technologies, Hiperbaric, and Multivac.
2. Service providers: These companies provide HPP services to food manufacturers by using their own equipment and facilities to process food products for customers. Such companies include HPP Food Services, Longfresh and Preshafood.
3. Food manufacturers: Some food manufacturers use HPP as part of their production process to increase the shelf life of their products. Examples of food manufacturers in this category include Hain Celestial Group, Hormel Foods, and Ohly.

Examples of HPP equipment manufacturers:

HPP service providers:

1. HPP Food Services: Based in the US, HPP Food Services is a contract processor which has HPP equipment and facilities to process food products on behalf of customers. It provides a range of HPP services, including food preservation, pasteurization, and sterilization.
2. High Pressure Processing Nordic: The company has a network of HPP facilities in Denmark and Sweden and offers a range of services, including process development, product testing, and technical support.
3. Preshafoods: It is an Australian company, which provides HPP as well as a range of other services such as food safety, quality assurance, and logistics. It works with companies of all sizes and across food categories such as fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, and juices.

Food manufacturers:

1. Hain Celestial Group: Hain Celestial Group is a natural and organic food company that produces a wide range of products, including plant-based foods, snacks, and beverages. The Hain Celestial Group produces a range of HPP-treated products, including soups, dips, and salsas. These products are sold under several brand names such as Celestial Seasonings, Earth's Best, and Terra Chips.
2. Ohly is a food ingredients company that produces a range of ingredients for a variety of food and beverage products using HPP. Examples of Ohly's HPP-treated ingredients include: 
   Ohly XtrO: It is a range of highly soluble and stable maltodextrin ingredients that are produced using HPP. They are used in a variety of applications, including sports and nutrition products, dairy products, and beverages. Ohly CinO: This is a range of natural flavor and color ingredients produced using HPP. They are used in a variety of applications such as beverages, confectionery, and dairy products. Ohly NutriO: This is a range of ingredients produced using HPP and are designed to improve the nutritional profile of food and beverage products. They are used in a variety of applications, such as sports and nutrition products, dairy products, and beverages.
3. Green Cuisine: This is a UK-based company that produces a range of frozen plant-based meals using HPP. The company's products are designed to be convenient and easy to prepare, and are made using high-quality, natural ingredients. Green Cuisine offers a variety of meals, including soups, stews, and curries, as well as plant-based alternatives to traditional meat products, such as burgers and sausages.
4. Hormel Foods: It is a global food company that uses HPP to extend the shelf life of its products. The company produces a range of HPP-treated products, including deli meats, bacon, and sausages. These products are sold under several brand names such as Hormel, Applegate, and Skippy.
5. Dole Packaged Foods: This company is a leading provider of fruit and vegetable products, including frozen, canned, and packaged products. Dole Packaged Foods uses HPP as part of its production process to extend the shelf life of its offerings.

Outlook:

The outlook for HPP is positive, as it offers several benefits over traditional thermal processing methods.

Various food companies such as juice manufacturers, guacamole producers, seafood processors, meat processors, and manufacturers of ready-to-eat products use HPP.

HPP also has the potential to reduce food waste by extending the shelf life of perishable products, such as fruits and vegetables. This is especially important considering the increasing concerns about food security and the need to reduce waste in the food supply chain.

Overall, HPP is likely to continue being an important technology in the food processing industry in the coming years, as it offers several benefits in terms of food safety, quality, and sustainability.