Heat and Control Showcases Sustainable Innovations in Food Processing at FoodTech Forum 2025

From live equipment demonstrations to in-depth conversations about the future of food processing, FoodTech Forum 2025 created a unique space for exploring what’s next. Over three dynamic weeks, Heat and Control® welcomed customers, strategic partners, and industry experts to share ideas and to explore practical solutions for sustainable food processing.

Held in Lelystad, Netherlands, the forum brought together people from across the company's global network—company leaders, sales managers, engineers, service techs, and representatives from Heat and Control's newly acquired Fabcon and Tek-Dry Systems teams, now part of the Heat and Control group.

Teams travelled in from nearly every region to connect with customers and strategic partners, offering insights, answering questions, and sharing what’s new. The event wouldn’t have been possible without the warm hospitality of Netherlands facility, which generously opened its doors and the dedication of the marketing and events team, who skilfully managed the complex planning and execution behind the scenes.

A Forum with Purpose: Building a More Sustainable Food System

At Heat and Control's FoodTech Forum 2025, industry leaders gathered with a common goal—to advance a more sustainable, resilient food system. The event highlighted how innovative equipment and technology help food processors achieve their sustainability targets and optimize operations.

Customers, strategic partners, and industry media joined the forum, taking part in in-depth technical presentations that sparked meaningful dialogue. These sessions were followed by live equipment demonstrations where customers had the opportunity to ask detailed questions and, in some cases, to test their own products on the equipment.

Key challenges discussed included:

• Sustainable heating solutions for frying
• Water conservation in raw materials processing
• Seasoning accuracy, dust reduction, and allergen management
• Thermal processing for drying, cooling, toasting, and roasting
• Inspection and packaging solutions to enhance food safety and packaging efficiency
• Integrated solutions and process efficiency for French fry operations

Live Demonstrations – Technology in Action:

The live equipment demonstrations were a clear highlight, and gave customers the chance to see the company's latest innovations in action with tailored showcases focused on key applications, including snacks, potato chips, french fries, and prepared foods. 

These practical sessions offered real insight into how Heat and Control’s solutions solve everyday processing challenges and support long-term sustainability goals. The detailed technical presentations sparked thoughtful questions and lively discussions with customers valuing the opportunity to engage directly with the company experts and to receive personalized advice tailored to their unique operations.

Discussions throughout the forum made it clear food processors are prioritizing:

• Energy efficiency: reducing energy use and lowering carbon emissions
• Water conservation: minimizing freshwater consumption and recovering process water
• Seasoning accuracy and safety: improving coverage, reducing dust, and managing allergens
• Smart product handling: preserving product quality while increasing line flexibility
• Long-term partnerships: working with turnkey suppliers to help future-proof operations

Sustainable Heating for Frying

A key focus of the forum was exploring pathways to more sustainable frying processes. There was strong interest in advanced heat recovery systems, heat pumps, electric heating, and green fuel-ready solutions. Heat and Control's innovative new GreenHeat system emerged as a standout solution, bringing together a collection of technologies designed to support sustainable frying. Attendees especially enjoyed learning how these solutions can help them decarbonise, save energy, and meet their long-term sustainability targets.

Water Sustainability in Raw Produce Preparation

Water conservation in raw produce preparation was another key talking point. Attendees heard about the company's industry-first, cascade water recirculation process that offers an industry-first, innovative approach to reducing freshwater use by up to 75% across the production line. 

Instead of relying on fresh water at every stage, this system uses a cascading flow of cleaned, recirculated process water. For example, in potato chip slice preparation, cleaned water is strategically reapplied throughout the process without compromising sanitation. 

Customers valued how cascade water recirculation helps reduce water and energy use, improves process performance, and improves sanitation. Supporting technologies, like the Slice Wash Support Module (SWSM) and Process Recirculation Support Module (PRSM), offer scalable, practical options for processors working toward water sustainability targets.

Smart Seasoning Solutions: Accuracy, Dust, and Allergen Control

Snack processors continue to face real challenges in seasoning operations—including improving coverage, reducing airborne dust, managing allergens, and simplifying cleaning and changeovers. 

At the forum, Heat and Control's new FastBack® Symphony On-Machine Seasoning (OMS) and Spray Dynamics® Symphony In-Kitchen Seasoning (IKS) systems sparked strong interest. Both systems offer a cleaner, smarter way to improve seasoning accuracy and to help create safer processing environments.

Symphony OMS is designed to improve chip-to-chip seasoning accuracy while reducing waste and eliminating fugitive dust. Attendees appreciated the system’s simple, easy-to-clean design—a valuable benefit for those managing allergen changeovers and tight production schedules. 

For in-kitchen seasoning, Symphony IKS offers similar advantages. Attendees valued its ability to improve seasoning coverage, to reduce dust, and to make kitchens safer and more comfortable for operators. The system’s streamlined, toolless design also helps reduce downtime and cleaning time—key for operations facing labor challenges.

Protecting Quality During Product Handling

Protecting product quality while moving products efficiently remains a key priority for food processors. At the forum, Heat and Control's new FastBack® 4.0 horizontal motion conveyor was showcased as a next-generation solution engineered to meet this challenge. Attendees explored how its patented circular-to-linear drive gently handles products without damage or coating loss—all while delivering industry-leading travel speeds and flow rates.

The new instant reverse capability also captured interest, offering the flexibility to quickly redirect product flow at the flick of a switch. What stood out most was FastBack 4.0’s low-maintenance design, which reduces downtime and labor costs and delivers best-in-class sanitation in both dry and high-pressure wet wash down environments.

French Fry

With growing global demand and evolving consumer expectations, french fry manufacturers are under increasing pressure to boost yield, to improve efficiency, and to meet sustainability goals—often within tighter footprints. At the forum, attendees explored how the ongoing investment in technology supports every stage of the french fry process, from raw preparation through to final packaging. The team shared practical insights into how tailored solutions are developed to meet individual requirements, supported by proven equipment and deep process expertise..

Conversations also reinforced the long-term value of partnering with a turnkey supplier—not just for the benefits of a fully integrated line but for the collaboration that continues well beyond installation. From improving product quality and throughput to lowering operating costs and supporting sustainable practices, attendees learned about how manufacturer's complete french fry systems are designed and how they can help future-proof their operations.

Closing Reflections

Throughout the forum, one message stood out: while technology is essential, food processors are just as focused on finding trusted partners who truly understand their challenges and share their long-term vision. 

At Heat and Control, being a trusted partner means working closely with customers to develop solutions that align with their sustainability goals, production demands, and long-term strategies. FoodTech Forum 2025 underscored a key industry insight - success goes beyond selecting the right equipment; it involves choosing the right partners for sustained growth. 

Collaboration remains essential to driving the industry forward.