JBT Marel recently launched its patented Efficient Agitation (EA) Retort, which optimizes static processing and agitation to provide flexible preservation solutions across a wider range of packaging formats, including those for ready-to-eat (RTE) food products.

The EA Retort was built for packagers that specialize in preservation applications involving pouches, tubs, cups, glass, and other unique and challenging containers, as well as retortable foods that benefit from the shortened cook times provided by linear agitation. Unlike the trademarked traditional steam water spray (SWS) static retort, the EA Retort’s patented trapezoidal motion profile provides greater mix energy in a shorter stroke length during the sterilization process while maintaining the benefits of SWS even heating. The result is a more sustainable, flexible packaging design that reduces brine usage and cycle time to produce fresher food.

Designed with producers of RTE and ready-to-drink products in mind, the EA Retort’s key features and benefits include:

• Linear product agitation: All products receive the same agitation profile, resulting in consistent quality and processing uniformity across every batch.
• Adjustable agitation profiles: Customizable agitation profiles suit different product needs, with reduced G-forces for delicate items and recipe-driven profiles for varied processing stages.
• Reduced cycle time: The agitation process significantly reduces cycle time compared to static heat sterilization, increasing throughput and potentially reducing the number of machines required. This efficiency ensures food emerges from the preservation process fresher, enhancing product quality.
• SuperStatic capability: Come up and cooling times are reduced by up to 30 percent and 34 percent, respectively, and are tailored to producers’ specific product and packaging needs. The advanced SWS system ensures uniform and efficient thermal processing to boost product quality.
• Vertical door option: The vertical door design reduces the overall footprint, providing significant production space savings and enabling more flexible facility layouts.

JBT Marel’s EA Retort can enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs while delivering fresher, high-quality products. Challenging food sterilization applications can be assessed through lab testing and technical consultations by the JBT Marel team to demonstrate the full capabilities of the EA Retort.

JBT Marel: www.jbtmarel.com