HPP industry council formed

AN INDUSTRY council focused on the advancement of High Pressure Processing (HPP) as a critical technology in the food and beverage industry has been established. Convened by PMMI (The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies), the new HPP Council will address questions about the technology while developing and formalizing industry best practices. The new council will also promote networking among professionals using this processing technology.

HPP which transitioned from the lab to the production floor almost 20 years ago, continues to gain recognition among consumer packaged goods companies for a variety of products. "In this age where consumer choice is critical, HPP is a cost-effective method for processors to maintain taste, texture and nutrition while providing the clean label consumers are looking for," says Jeff Williams, president of Avure Technologies, and a founding member of this Council.

In today's regulatory environment, the technology is gaining importance. "HPP allows food processors to achieve significant benefits in terms of food safety and extended shelf-life. The formation of this Council will help us take this technology to the next level," adds Jaime Nicolas-Correa, Director Hiperbaric USA, one of the founding members of the Council.

The Council officially launches at ProFood Tech (April 4-6; McCormick Place, Chicago). Founding members will share the latest process insights and successes in a session on the ProFood Tech Innovation Stage on Wednesday, April 5 at 2:30 p.m. The group will also host a booth (Booth #937) on the show floor and will participate in the OpX Leadership Network's Executive Council meeting.

"HPP is a critical technology in the food and beverage industry and it only makes sense to launch this Council at the most comprehensive food and beverage show in North America, ProFood Tech," says Justin Segel, Chief Executive Officer of American Pasteurization Company, LLC, and a founding member of the Council.

Bringing together more than 6,000 processing professionals, ProFood Tech is an ideal venue for the industry to share information about this technology. "We encourage show attendees to take the time to learn more about the benefits of HPP and get involved in this new Council. We look forward to an open exchange of ideas and best practices among industry professionals interested in this technology," says Mark Duffy, CEO, Universal Pasteurization Company LLC and Universal Cold Storage LLC, another founding member of the Council.

A breakfast session on Wednesday morning, April 5, 8:30 a.m. at ProFood Tech will enable attendees to meet the founding members and hear about the objectives of this organization and opportunities to join. Check profoodtech.com for the agenda and location.

ProFood Tech is the only event in North America focused exclusively on all food and beverage sectors, including Baking & Snack, Beverage, Frozen/Prepared Foods, Dairy and Meat/Poultry/Seafood. ProFood Tech will include 400+ of the world's top suppliers, 150,000 net square feet of exhibit floor, and 45 hours of educational programming.