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Food Moisture Measurement

Alwera AG is the specialist for seed corn, oil pumpkin and runner beans in contract cultivation.

As Europe's leading processor of pumpkin seeds, it develops and produces high-quality food together with its subsidiary Estyria Naturprodukte GmbH. 

In the preparation of the food there are two FSA Moisture measuring devices from the company Schaller Messtechnik in use.

We met Franz Wagner, head of department at Alwera AG field production, for an interview:

Interview with

Franz Wagner

Alwera AG

Question

The moisture measuring devices from Schaller Messtechnik are in use in your plant in St. Ruprecht/Raab. What is the main area of ​​application?

Franz Wagner

Food that comes into our incoming goods department is checked - an important parameter is the water content. If the goods are too damp, we cannot store them. With the FSA moisture meter, this check is carried out very quickly and precisely - in other words, perfect quality control.

On the other hand, we control the drying process of food and seeds. The seed harvest from our contract farmers is mainly dried in our factory. We also check the result with the fully automatic moisture meter. This is particularly characterized by the fast measurement!

Question

Why is it so important to measure the moisture content of food?

Franz Wagner

Damp goods cannot be stored as mold would form. The incoming goods inspection is therefore indispensable. If the value does not match, we carry out a post-drying ourselves. In the case of very small-seeded foods, we return the goods to the supplier because we have no drying facilities for them.

In general, it is also important to ensure that the food does not become too dry in the drying system. Overdried beans and kernels break, seeds lose their ability to germinate.

Question

What food do you check with the FSA Whole Grain Moisture Meter? 

Franz Wagner

The bulk of the processed goods are pumpkin seeds, followed by corn and runner beans. However, the demand for a wide variety of foods - also from regional cultivation - is increasing sharply, which is why we now also process many other legumes. About 80% is grown in Austria, the rest is bought internationally.

Drying plant for pumpkin seeds - seeds fall from the conveyor belt into the container
QUESTION

The variety of cultures is impressive. That FSA Moisture meter is very well suited for this, as individual characteristic curves can be created. How satisfied are you with the existing characteristics in your devices? 

Franz Wagner

The special characteristics are particularly important to us! We can check all goods quickly and accurately with a measuring device. For example, we have pre-programmed amaranth, quinoa, couscous, chia seeds, chickpeas and poppy seeds as characteristics. As soon as we add another food to our portfolio, Schaller Messtechnik effortlessly creates a new characteristic curve.

QUESTION

Will there be a need for a special characteristic again soon?

Franz Wagner

Yes, we want to include the bush bean in our range. There are over eight different strains and it will be an exciting challenge to figure out how many characteristics we need for that. We are happy to have a competent partner in Schaller Messtechnik – with many years of experience and the greatest expertise. 

Question

How valuable do you rate prompt, professional support from Schaller Messtechnik?

Franz Wagner

We really enjoy the sustained support and professional service. We receive the information in good time that the device should be serviced, calibrated and verified. This maintenance is quick and uncomplicated.

Last harvest season we had a case where a no-name moisture meter went inoperative. Schaller Messtechnik was able to immediately provide a loaner device. That was extremely helpful for us. During the harvest season, the device runs around the clock. We finally bought the professional device!

 

Question
Alwera - Franz Wagners with beans, corn and other product samples at the table

The special characteristics are particularly important to us! We can check all goods quickly and accurately with a measuring device.

 

Franz Wagners, Head of Field Production, Alwera AG
Facts and figures:

Alwera group

  • Specialist for seed corn, oil pumpkin and runner beans in contract cultivation
  • Processing of foodstuffs and international sales with group-owned subsidiaries in the areas of plant construction, press construction, harvesting technology and production technology
  • Organic share: 57%
  • Exports: 55%
  • Employees: over 300

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