Food equipment manufacturer Concept Engineering has introduced to the UK market a machine that specifically loosens up dried fruit.

The Concept Fruit Breaker System fits directly into production lines and is capable of breaking 25kg blocks of raisins in just seven seconds.

The new machine was developed after one of the UK’s leading suppliers of speciality nuts, dried fruit and confectionery required a bespoke solution to improve efficiency.

Concept Engineering of Hull was approached, and director Andrew Cowper designed what is believed to be the only machine of its kind capable of breaking blocks of dried fruit without causing damage.

The Concept Fruit Breaker features an agitator to break up solid blocks of dried fruit, a task that previously had to be carried out manually.

Concept Engineering managing director Steve Larkin said: “This product started life as a bespoke design for a customer who was unable to find an off-the-shelf solution. Now the machine is going into production to meet demand.

“We are able to provide a full solution, including agitator and conveyor system, designed specifically for the client’s dried fruit process. Our system speeds up production and produces significant savings in labour costs. We specialise in providing bespoke solutions to manufacturers across a range of industry sectors, but where there is clear demand we are now putting our systems into production.”

Concept Engineering delivers engineering and manufacturing solutions to companies in the UK and abroad across the baking industry.