As the first High Pressure Processing (HPP) service center in Switzerland, HPP Competence has established itself as a strategic partner for food and beverage producers seeking safety, quality, and operational efficiency. Founded in 2018 and located in Chavornnay—just one hour from Geneva—the company operates a 720 m² facility equipped with dedicated cold storage rooms to ensure optimal product handling. Its CEO, Marie Schumacher, and its quality manager, Isabel Romero open the doors of their company to us so we can discover how they are bringing HPP technology to the Swiss market.
A Leading Provider of Tailored HPP Services
From the beginning, HPP Competence has defined itself through flexibility and customer focus. The company tailors its services to the specific needs of each partner, supporting producers of all sizes in adopting a technology that preserves freshness, flavor, and nutrients without heat or additives.
Schumacher summarizes this mission clearly: “We help food producers offer safer, fresher, and longer-lasting products—without compromising on quality.” The company offers a comprehensive HPP tolling service that allows producers to outsource processing without investing in equipment or specialized staff. Its team manages the entire process—loading, unloading, and verifying each batch—to ensure consistency, traceability, and food safety.
HPP Competence’s collaboration with Hiperbaric, the global leader in HPP technology, plays a crucial role in its value proposition. The center operates a Hiperbaric 135 HPP system, which provides the efficiency and reliability needed to deliver a competitive service. As Schumacher notes, “This machine’s efficiency and consistency, combined with Hiperbaric’s outstanding food application support and 24/7 after-sales service, make them the perfect technology partner for us.”
Food Safety and Clean-Label Products: The Value of HPP
For Isabel Romero, Quality Manager at HPP Competence, the growing relevance of food safety makes HPP particularly compelling. “Traditional preservation methods often rely on heat or chemical additives—compromising the product’s nutritional value, flavor, and appearance,” she explains. By contrast, HPP uses cold water and extremely high pressure to inactivate pathogens while preserving a product’s natural characteristics.
The result is a clean-label solution that enhances safety, extends shelf life, and maintains the taste, color, and nutritional quality consumers expect—while reducing reputational risks linked to product recalls.
A Trusted Partner for Diverse Food Sectors
The versatility of HPP Competence is reflected in the wide range of clients it serves, from artisanal breweries and small local producers to one of Switzerland’s leading seafood companies. The center processes an extensive assortment of products, including beverages & juices, seafood & meat products, bakery creams, ready-to-eat meals, soups, teas, and pet food.
Beyond processing, HPP Competence is actively involved in scientific research, packaging innovation, and regional development initiatives. Romero highlights that this commitment enables the company to be “constantly advancing the applications of High Pressure Processing technology.”
End-to-End Product Development Support
HPP Competence offers full support throughout the product development cycle—from early formulation trials to market-ready commercialization. Its services include personalized processing solutions, packaging optimization, validation testing, storage recommendations, and commercial guidance based on real performance data.
The company also fosters synergies within the Swiss food ecosystem. “With our expertise in products and market trends, HPP Competence identifies opportunities, connects relevant stakeholders, and brings value-driven projects to fruition,” as Schumacher explains.
The Future of HPP in Switzerland
Switzerland’s commitment to food quality, innovation, and sustainability is accelerating interest in non-thermal processing technologies. Consumer demand for fresh-tasting, minimally processed, natural products is growing steadily—making HPP an increasingly strategic option for producers.
Schumacher points to three main drivers shaping the future of HPP in Switzerland and beyond: technological innovation, regulatory support for non-thermal methods, and a rising segment of health-conscious, environmentally aware consumers. Together, these factors create an ideal environment for the expansion of HPP across the region.
A Commitment to Long-Term Partnership
HPP Competence defines itself by its collaborative approach and focus on trust-based relationships. For the company, each customer is a long-term partner. As Schumacher concludes: “At HPP Competence, we believe in building long-term partnerships through technology and trust.”
Supported by Hiperbaric’s leadership in HPP innovation and a robust service model, HPP Competence is playing a decisive role in bringing advanced HPP solutions to businesses across Switzerland—enabling safer, more natural, and more sustainable food products for today’s consumers.
Discover the full story in our Hiperbaric Global Community video:
