A leading meat producer in South America, known for supplying top-quality and safe products to both local and international markets, recently revolutionized their defrosting process. Facing numerous operational challenges, they turned to RF Systems for a cutting-edge solution that has transformed their workflow and significantly enhanced productivity.
Traditionally, the company used a labor-intensive method to defrost its frozen meat. Workers would remove large blocks of meat from their original packaging and place them in water bins for defrosting. This method was not only cumbersome but also inefficient, requiring a team of operators and resulting in a considerable drip loss of up to 8%, meaning valuable product was lost in the process.
Looking to modernize their operations, the company implemented a radio frequency defroster from RF Systems, capable of defrosting up to 1,500 kilograms of meat per hour. This state-of-the-art technology proved to be a game changer. Unlike traditional methods, RF defrosting is compact, clean, and incredibly efficient, ensuring uniform defrosting without any of the typical drip loss associated with water-based methods.
The impact of RF technology was immediate and substantial. The company saw a dramatic reduction in drip loss, dropping from 8% to as little as 0-1%. This improvement not only preserved product quality but also boosted profitability. In addition, the new system streamlined labor requirements—what once took four operators could now be managed by just one. The process was also simplified, eliminating the need to remove meat from packaging or submerge it in water, which saved both time and effort.
Another key benefit of RF defrosting is its flexibility. The company no longer needs to plan a day in advance to defrost meat. Blocks of frozen meat are now ready in just 20 minutes, a level of efficiency that’s impossible to achieve with traditional methods.
This upgrade also resulted in cleaner, more hygienic operations. Because the meat can now be defrosted directly in its original packaging, there’s no risk of contamination or mess from water dripping all over the processing area. And speaking of water, the new system eliminated the need for water altogether, which translated into energy savings and a more sustainable operation.
The benefits didn’t stop there. The company found that the RF defroster was quick to set up, with installation completed in just one day. The technology also maintained the natural appearance of the product, avoiding the surface discoloration that can occur with water defrosting. Moreover, the system easily adapted to different recipes, allowing the company to fine-tune the process based on product type and the desired temperature.
The South American meat producer saw an almost immediate return on investment, with the savings from reduced drip loss alone covering the cost of the RF defroster within a year. Reflecting on the decision to upgrade, a company representative noted that thanks to RF Systems, their operations are now more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable, solidifying their position as a leader in the meat production industry.
