HPP technology is synonymous with minimally processed, ready-to-eat products of higher sensory and nutritional quality; without additives or preservatives; with an extended shelf life that reduces food waste; and with total food safety. But, how can any food company access HPP and enhance its products? The answer is HPP Tolling.
What is HPP Tolling?
An HPP toller is a company that provides services and access to HPP technology to businesses of all sizes. Using HPP Tolling is often the first step before investing in the technology. This model is ideal for small businesses, entrepreneurs, startups, restaurateurs, and new exporters, who find in this service the opportunity to market a wide variety of HPP products.
Meet two successful HPP Tolling examples
Marie Schumacher, CEO of HPP Competence in Switzerland
HPP Competence, founded in 2018, has become Switzerland’s first dedicated HPP service center. Located in Sion, their facility offers customized services to clients ranging from small artisans to large manufacturers. Maria emphasizes the benefits of HPP, such as eliminating pathogens, extending shelf life, and maintaining the fresh-like quality of products, as the main points of this innovative technology.
Hubert Aust, CEO of Rohstoff in Germany
Hubert, on the other hand, shares his experience of starting a fresh juices business and expanding to a wide range of products later, including ready-to-eat meals and pet food. His company, located near Munich, provides comprehensive HPP services, including product development, packaging, and logistics support.
Q&A with HPP Competence & Rohstoff
Why did you decide to develop a company or division to offer this service?
Marie: For us, the decision to develop a company that offers HPP services was really driven by the clear market needs. The small companies, mainly in perishable foods, were already aware of the benefits of the innovative technology, like shelf life extension and fresh-like quality. But they just couldn’t invest themself in the necessary equipment.
Hubert: : In my experience, at first we had just my own brand of fresh juices. But then I realized the potential of HPP and how many people came to me and ask me “Where do you make your HPP Process?, Can I also do it there?”. So, it eventually started to pop in my mind this idea of an HPP Tolling company.
What are the initial needs of your customers when they first look at your services? And which advantages do you offer?
Marie: For our customers, they usually need to understand how the HPP process is going to benefit their product. So, we guide them through the entire journey by offering personalized support from initial testing to full implementation. Sometimes we also provide advice on broader strategies like distribution or on the market positioning, which is particularly valuable in the Swiss market.
Hubert: What differentiates Rohstoff is the fact that we have our own product developer, which is a specialist in HPP products; and the close cooperation with the lab authorities for initial results.
If you have to emphasize the features that determine the success in the Tolling business, what would they be?
Marie: I think it’s very important to build a strong partnership with the customer. For us, success comes with an excellent customer supports and efficient service delivery: understanding their specific needs, tailoring the surfaces of the services to their needs, maintaining the quality standards, etc.
Hubert: I think you should definitely have a good customer before you start your business. If you have one customer, he will bring you a lot of products to process and to start developing your company. In our case, it was easier at the beginning because we combined this tolling service with our own juice brand, which brought us stability.
What do you value the most from your HPP partner, Hiperbaric?
Marie: Well, that’s an easy one. The partnership is invaluable due to the unique combination of technical support and applications engineering expertise. I don’t know how we would go without you!
Hubert: I agree 100% with Marie. The aftersales service is perfect. They try to provide not only the best technical service, but also, they help during the product development.
Recently, Hiperbaric hosted an insightful webinar featuring these two industry experts who shared their experiences and success stories around the transformative potential of HPP in the tolling business. Don’t forget to watch the complet webinar session here!:
By making this advanced technology accessible to a wider range of businesses, companies like HPP Competence and Rohstoff are helping to ensure food safety, reduce waste, and meet the growing demand for high-quality, sustainable products.
As the market continues to evolve, HPP will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of food preservation.
