UK – Frucom, a leading UK-based importer and distributor of high-quality frozen and ambient ingredients, has announced a major expansion of its global supply chain through a strategic partnership with a new processing facility located in Shandong Province, China.

The new factory, developed by one of Frucom’s most trusted suppliers — with whom the company has maintained a 20-year relationship — is situated just 15 kilometres from their existing site in Rizhao. This facility incorporates cutting-edge technology and rigorous quality control measures to meet the stringent demands of European food manufacturers.

Advanced Technology for Superior Quality

A key feature of the new plant is the installation of an advanced optical sorter — an automated system that scans each vegetable piece using high-resolution imaging to detect and remove defects or foreign materials in real time. This ensures exceptional product purity and significantly reduces the risk of contamination, setting a new benchmark for quality in IQF vegetable processing.

Robust Processing Lines and Product Range

The factory currently operates two processing lines, with a third planned for later this year:

• A high-speed line for diced, sliced, cut, whole peeled, and particulate products, with an annual capacity of up to 25,000 metric tonnes.
• A purée line producing tablets and whole-strip formats, with a capacity of 10,000 metric tonnes per year.
• A third line for roasting, grilling, and aseptic processing is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2025.

The facility will produce an extensive selection of IQF vegetables and herbs, including garlic, ginger, onion, peppers, chillies, carrots, broccoli, and many more.

Quality Assurance and Accreditation

Frucom’s Technical Manager, Tyronn Kirby, completed a full technical visit to the facility earlier this year.

Tyronn commented:

“I was thoroughly impressed with the scale, organisation, and hygiene standards of the facility. The processes are robust, the staff well-trained, and the level of detail in traceability and quality control was outstanding. This is a facility built for performance.”

The factory achieved an A grade on their BCR audit in August, further demonstrating its commitment to internationally recognised food safety protocols