How a U.S. Ingredient Processor Increased Cranberry Pomace Drying Capacity by 7-8x

Technical Snapshot

Problem

• Existing three-dryer setup limited throughput and created a production bottleneck as demand for cranberry ingredients increased.
• Multiple systems increased maintenance load, spare part requirements, and operator complexity.
• The client needed consistent drying of high-moisture, fibrous pomace without compromising downstream milling quality.

Proposed Solution

• Gem Drytech engineered a continuous band dryer designed for sticky, fibrous fruit pomace.
• The system used controlled airflow, gentle handling, and efficient heat utilization for stable continuous operation.
• One integrated line replaced three separate dryers, simplifying plant operations and improving process control.

Result

• Throughput increased to 1600-1800 lbs/hr, approximately 7-8x higher than the previous setup.
• Final moisture remained below 8%, supporting efficient milling into cranberry powder and fiber ingredients.
• Energy consumption and maintenance requirements per pound of dried product were reduced.
• Operations became simpler, with lower downtime and improved reliability.

Conclusion

This installation shows how continuous band drying can turn high-moisture fruit pomace into a scalable, commercially valuable ingredient stream with better throughput, lower operating complexity, and consistent quality.

Applicability

Also relevant for blueberry pomace, apple pomace, grape pomace, citrus fiber residues, and vegetable fiber by-products.