How OctoFrost is Transforming Hamburger Freezing | Overcoming Industry Challenges
How OctoFrost is Transforming Hamburger Freezing

How OctoFrost is Transforming Hamburger Freezing

Jul 02, 2024

In today's fast-paced food industry, efficiency and quality are paramount, particularly in the realm of frozen food production. Among the global packaged burgers market, the frozen burger segment is expected to grow at a substantial rate with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%, reaching a market value of $8 billion by 2030.

This reflects the increasing demand for convenience foods driven by urbanization and shifting consumer lifestyles. As a result, key players in the market are continuously seeking advanced technologies to enhance production capabilities and meet the growing demand.

Common challenges in hamburger freezing

Dehydration: Dehydration is a significant issue shared by processors throughout the food industry. For hamburger production, the extended freezing time in spiral freezers makes the patties prone to dehydration, leading to moisture loss and reduced product weight, ultimately impacting profitability. Moreover, it can affect product appearance, making it look dry and unappetizing.

Factory Space: Spiral freezers require substantial factory space, with ceiling heights of 5-8 meters for the tall equipment, posing a challenge for processors with limited factory space. Additionally, spiral freezers usually require foundations equipped with heat cables to prevent thermofrost.

Product Deformation: Smaller spiral freezers use collapsing belts that can cause product deformation. As the belt turns, the fresh food must shift, leading to buckling or ‘ovalization’ in hamburger patties. Buckled patties freeze in that shape, resulting in unacceptable product quality and increased waste of up to 10% of the total production.

The OctoFrost Solution

By listening to the needs of hamburger processors, OctoFrost innovated the Multi-level Impingement Freezer, designed to revolutionize the way hamburgers are frozen. This innovative freezer offers a range of benefits that align with the industry's needs for rapid freezing, energy and space efficiency, and high product quality. By utilizing high-velocity air streams over 3 belt levels, the OctoFrost Multi-Level Impingement Freezer ensures that burger patties are frozen quickly and uniformly within minutes, all within a compact footprint. This method not only improves the quality of the final product but also enhances the overall efficiency of the freezing process.

Watch the OctoFrost Multi-Level Impingement Freezer in 3D.


Benefits of the OctoFrost Multi-Level Impingement Freezer

Low Dehydration & Preserved Shape: Due to quick freezing within a few minutes, hamburger patties retain their moisture during the freezing process. Additionally, the OctoFrost multi-level impingement freezer uses three straight belt levels, preserving the product shape and a fresh-looking appearance.

Smallest Footprint in the Market: Standing at just 3.2 meters in height, the OctoFrost Multi-Level Impingement Freezer has the smallest footprint on the market but offers the highest capacity per square meter of factory space, making it ideal for processors with limited factory space.

Click here to see hamburgers freezing in the Multi-Level Impingement Freezer.

Installation & Zero Build Time: An added benefit of the OctoFrost Multi-level Impingement Freezer is that can be installed and connected on-site within just two days, compared to the four weeks required for spiral freezers. Unlike spiral freezers, no concrete foundation with heating is needed for the impingement freezer, and it doesn't require on-site construction.

Impact on the Market

In the competitive markets of the USA and Europe, where major corporations like Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef dominate, the implementation of cutting-edge technologies like the OctoFrost Multi-Level Impingement Freezer can provide a significant competitive edge. This advanced freezing technology ensures higher quality products, reduced waste, and lower operational costs, which are critical factors in maintaining market leadership.

The Future of the Hamburger Industry

As the demand for convenience foods continues to rise, the adoption of innovative technologies like the OctoFrost Impingement Freezer will likely become more widespread. Its ability to address common freezing challenges, such as dehydration, space constraints, and product deformation, positions it as an asset for food processors aiming to enhance product quality and operational efficiency. The OctoFrost Impingement Freezer is not just a technological advancement; it is a strategic investment in the future of hamburger production.

In conclusion, the OctoFrost Impingement Freezer represents a significant leap forward in the frozen food industry. By overcoming the limitations of traditional spiral freezers, it offers a more efficient, space-saving, and quality-preserving solution for hamburger freezing. As the market continues to evolve, such innovations will be key to meeting consumer demands and sustaining growth in the highly competitive packaged burger market.


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