Starfrost, specialists in cooling equipment and solutions, now offer an energy comparison service to assist frozen and chilled food manufacturers in managing the ongoing rise in gas costs. This tool helps food processors assess the shift from expensive cryogenic to more affordable mechanical freezing, typically yielding a one to two year return on investment.

As energy costs continue to soar, it is crucial for food manufacturers to make informed decisions about their freezing methods. Starfrost is offering a comprehensive analysis of operating costs associated with mechanical and cryogenic freezing technologies, allowing processors to evaluate the financial implications of each option, available to newcomers entering the industry as well as established food processors contemplating an upgrade from their current cryogenic freezers. 

“Our energy comparison service equips businesses with the essential insights needed to optimise their freezing and chilling processes and sheds light on real costs and payback returns. As a comparative example, the operating costs per kilo of finished product for mechanical freezing are notably 85-90% lower than those incurred with nitrogen cryogenics, an astonishing reduction,” said Samuel Welch, UK sales manager at Starfrost. “Our mechanical freezing equipment doesn't just deliver high-performance and high efficiency but also guarantees the highest quality results in the end product. We aim to share our expertise and emphasise a profitable freezing solution without compromising the food product's quality or sacrificing system flexibility.”

Starfrost’s experts are able accurately compare the costs of mechanical and cryogenic freezing processes, considering factors such as gas prices, long-term agreements, and market volatility. By leveraging this data, processors can gain valuable insights into the potential savings and return on investment associated with the different freezing technologies.

To showcase the effectiveness of this service, Starfrost recently collaborated with a prominent UK seafood processor. By investing in a mechanical spiral freezer and utilising the energy comparison service, the food manufacturer achieved substantial annual cost savings of £624,071 (based on 50 weeks of production, processing 1000 kg per hour of seafood products). The return on investment for this customer will be achieved in just over one year when compared to the operating costs of their previously used cryogenic freezer.

Starfrost's energy comparison service is now available to food manufacturers seeking to enhance their freezing and chilling capabilities. By equipping food processors with the necessary insights, Starfrost helps them overcome rising energy costs and enhance their profitability.