From live equipment demonstrations to in-depth conversations about the future of food processing, FoodTech Forum 2025 created a unique space for exploring what’s next. Over three dynamic weeks, Heat and Control® welcomed customers, strategic partners, and industry experts to share ideas and to explore practical solutions for sustainable food processing.
Held in Lelystad, Netherlands, the forum brought together people from across our global network—company leaders, sales managers, engineers, service techs, and representatives from our newly acquired Fabcon and Tek-Dry Systems teams, now part of the Heat and Control group.
Teams travelled in from nearly every region to connect with customers and strategic partners, offering insights, answering questions, and sharing what’s new. The event wouldn’t have been possible without the warm hospitality of our Netherlands facility, who generously opened their doors and the dedication of our marketing and events team who skillfully managed the complex planning and execution behind the scenes.
At Heat and Control’s FoodTech Forum 2025, we came together with a common goal—to build a more sustainable, resilient food system. The event showcased how our equipment and technology supports food processors reach their sustainability targets and optimize their operations.
Customers, strategic partners, and industry media joined the forum, taking part in in-depth technical presentations that sparked meaningful dialogue. These sessions were followed by live equipment demonstrations where customers had the opportunity to ask detailed questions and, in some cases, to test their own products on the equipment.
Key challenges discussed included:
The live equipment demonstrations were a clear highlight, and gave customers the chance to see our latest innovations in action with tailored showcases focused on key applications, including snacks, potato chips, french fries, and prepared foods.
These practical sessions offered real insight into how Heat and Control’s solutions solve everyday processing challenges and support long-term sustainability goals. The detailed technical presentations sparked thoughtful questions and lively discussions with customers valuing the opportunity to engage directly with our experts and to receive personalized advice tailored to their unique operations.
Discussions throughout the forum made it clear food processors are prioritizing:
A key focus of the forum was exploring pathways to more sustainable frying processes. There was strong interest in advanced heat recovery systems, heat pumps, electric heating, and green fuel-ready solutions. Our innovative new GreenHeat system emerged as a standout solution, bringing together a collection of technologies designed to support sustainable frying.
Attendees especially enjoyed learning how these solutions can help them decarbonize, save energy, and meet their long-term sustainability targets.
Water Sustainability in Raw Produce PreparationWater conservation in raw produce preparation was another key talking point. Attendees heard about our industry-first, cascade water recirculation process that offers an industry-first, innovative approach to reducing freshwater use by up to 75% across the production line.
Instead of relying on fresh water at every stage, this system uses a cascading flow of cleaned, recirculated process water. For example, in potato chip slice preparation, cleaned water is strategically reapplied throughout the process without compromising sanitation.
Customers valued how cascade water recirculation helps reduce water and energy use, improves process performance, and improves sanitation. Supporting technologies, like the Slice Wash Support Module (SWSM) and Process Recirculation Support Module (PRSM), offer scalable, practical options for processors working toward water sustainability targets.
Snack processors continue to face real challenges in seasoning operations—including improving coverage, reducing airborne dust, managing allergens, and simplifying cleaning and changeovers.
At the forum, our new FastBack® Symphony On-Machine Seasoning (OMS) and Spray Dynamics® Symphony In-Kitchen Seasoning (IKS) systems sparked strong interest. Both systems offer a cleaner, smarter way to improve seasoning accuracy and to help create safer processing environments.
Symphony OMS is designed to improve chip-to-chip seasoning accuracy while reducing waste and eliminating fugitive dust. Attendees appreciated the system’s simple, easy-to-clean design—a valuable benefit for those managing allergen changeovers and tight production schedules.
For in-kitchen seasoning, Symphony IKS offers similar advantages. Attendees valued its ability to improve seasoning coverage, to reduce dust, and to make kitchens safer and more comfortable for operators. The system’s streamlined, toolless design also helps reduce downtime and cleaning time—key for operations facing labor challenges.
Protecting Quality During Product HandlingProtecting product quality while moving products efficiently remains a key priority for food processors. At the forum, our new FastBack® 4.0 horizontal motion conveyor was showcased as a next-generation solution engineered to meet this challenge. Attendees explored how its patented circular-to-linear drive gently handles products without damage or coating loss—all while delivering industry-leading travel speeds and flow rates.
The new instant reverse capability also captured interest, offering the flexibility to quickly redirect product flow at the flick of a switch. What stood out most was FastBack 4.0’s low-maintenance design, which reduces downtime and labor costs and delivers best-in-class sanitation in both dry and high-pressure wet washdown environments.
With growing global demand and evolving consumer expectations, french fry manufacturers are under increasing pressure to boost yield, to improve efficiency, and to meet sustainability goals—often within tighter footprints. At the forum, attendees explored how our ongoing investment in technology supports every stage of the french fry process, from raw preparation through to final packaging. Our team shared practical insights into how we tailor solutions to individual requirements, backed by proven equipment and by deep process expertise.
Conversations also reinforced the long-term value of partnering with a turnkey supplier—not just for the benefits of a fully integrated line but for the collaboration that continues well beyond installation. From improving product quality and throughput to lowering operating costs and supporting sustainable practices, attendees learned about how our complete french fry systems are designed and how they can help future-proof their operations.
Throughout the forum, one message stood out: while technology is essential, food processors are just as focused on finding trusted partners who truly understand their challenges and share their long-term vision.
At Heat and Control, we’re proud to be that partner. What sets us apart is how we work side by side with our customers to create solutions that support their sustainability goals, production needs, and future plans. FoodTech Forum 2025 reinforced what many processors already know—success isn’t just about finding the right equipment; it’s about finding the right partners for long term growth.
Together, we can keep moving the industry forward.
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