Customer experience
Customer Story: MiFood
Customer Story: MiFood
MiFood creates scientifically proven healthy mixes with custom R&D line from Dinnissen
In collaboration with the Nutritional Concepts Lab (a food laboratory at the Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo), Dinnissen has developed an innovative line for processing fruits and vegetables into healthy consumer products. The initiator of the Nutritional Concepts Lab and founder of the new line, is MiFood: developer of resistance-enhancing fruit and vegetable products. Raymond Nolet, the founder of MiFood, focuses on preserving the healthy substances in fruits and vegetables during processing. To scientifically substantiate the efficacy of these compounds, a three-year human food intervention study was conducted with 200 participants.
MiFood's goal is to develop a method that retains the original concentration of all healthy bioactive substances while making the nutrients optimally available for consumption. MiFood and Dinnissen explored the possibilities for such an advanced production line together at the D-Innocenter (Dinnissen's R&D department). This article discusses the line that was developed and the collaboration required to achieve it.
Raymond Nolet, founder of MiFood, at the R&D line.
A unique Vacuum Coater for a unique process
MiFood and Dinnissen have joined forces to create a research and development line that contains all the process steps necessary to transform fruits and vegetables into healthy mixes without losing healthy substances. Through a Big Bag Unloading Station, a manual Bag Emptying System, or liquid intake, the required products enter a Pegasus® Vacuum Coater. This modified vacuum coater has a strict upper temperature limit and is precisely heated by steam pumped between the double walls of the vacuum coater. From this machine, the mix can be transferred to a blender to be blended to the right fineness.
"Dinnissen possesses expertise distinct from our in-house capabilities. They are process specialists unafraid to push boundaries and set limits."
Raymond Nolet, Founder of MiFood
Reverse line development
Raymond Nolet, founder of MiFood, explains how the collaboration with Dinnissen began: "We had an end product in mind – innovative consumer products that increase resistance to diseases of affluence. Our objective was to process fruits and vegetables into blends while preserving the antioxidants and bioactive compounds they contain. With this end product in mind, we began exploring the necessary steps to achieve it. We chose to partner with Dinnissen because of their ongoing commitment to innovation and optimization. Additionally, they provide periodic maintenance and are readily available to assist us with any issues or support requirements."
The vacuum coater in MiFood's R&D line.
"Due to MiFood's meticulous maintenance practices, combined with our annual inspections, the line remains in peak technical condition."
Perry Konings, Commercial Manager at Dinnissen
A section of the R&D line at MiFood.
Tailored configuration
Perry Konings, commercial manager at Dinnissen and the main contact in this trajectory, clarifies how Dinnissen supports and relieves MiFood: "In late 2018, we started discussions with MiFood to explore the possibilities. A customized system was needed, one that aligned with the unique characteristics of the product to be processed. Given that this is a research and development line, we designed the system to grant MiFood the autonomy to configurate and adapt it for experimentation. Dinnissen developed the software and collaborated closely with MiFood to refine it. We can remotely access the software, enabling MiFood to swiftly address any queries or challenges."
"We are akin to two wings of a shared kite, mutually keeping each other balanced, and recognizing that headwinds are necessary for soaring to great heights."
Raymond Nolet, Founder of MiFood
Preservation of bioactive compounds in fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables serve as the raw materials for this production line, yielding mixes and bars replete with their beneficial properties as the desired output. MiFood and Dinnissen have developed a line that safeguards all these healthful substances, ensuring they remain bioavailable to the body. To achieve this, excessive heating is prevented. The fruits and vegetables are finely processed with a blender, to unlock essential active compounds while retaining their fibers. In the vacuum coater, granules can be added which absorb the healthy fruit and vegetable mix. As a result, a 40-gram bar contains the same amount of healthful components as 125 grams of vegetables and/or fruit.
"The collaboration extends beyond delivery, as we continue brainstorming together in the post-delivery phase to further refine our processes.”
Perry Konings, Commercial Manager at Dinnissen
The vacuum coater at MiFood.
A collaboration based on 1+1=3
Raymond and Perry are both very pleased with the collaboration. Raymond remarks, "Dinnissen possesses expertise distinct from our in-house capabilities. They are process specialists unafraid to push boundaries and set limits. When we inquire about the feasibility of certain settings, the professionals at Dinnissen provide clear guidance on what can or cannot be achieved. Our synergy thrives because both parties are open to improvements. We are akin to two wings of a shared kite, mutually keeping each other balanced, and recognizing that headwinds are necessary for soaring to great heights. We keep each other on our toes to keep improving."
Perry sees the collaboration as a mutual reinforcement for both companies: "MiFood learns from Dinnissen, and vice versa. The knowledge gained in this project carries forward into the future. The collaboration extends beyond delivery, as we continue brainstorming together in the post-delivery phase to further refine our processes. The Nutritional Concepts Lab is soon to celebrate its fifth anniversary. It's fantastic to see the excellent condition of the R&D line. Due to MiFood's meticulous maintenance practices, combined with our annual inspections, the line remains in peak technical condition."
The future of healthy consumer products
MiFood continues to develop consumer products that positively impact health and immunity. Dinnissen upholds the efficient operation of the production line through periodic maintenance, allowing MiFood to optimize its products and contribute to a healthier world through innovative research and products.